Written by: Shelly-Ann Weeks
The world is still reeling from the tragic report of a 14-year-old Kenyan schoolgirl who died by suicide after a teacher allegedly humiliated her for menstruating in class (BBC News, 2023). This heartbreaking incident underscores the devastating consequences of period stigma—a global issue that continues to harm young girls.
As someone who speaks with schoolgirls in Jamaica, I’ve heard too many stories of period-related shame. One that has stayed with me is that of a nine-year-old girl who got her first period on a bus ride to school. When she stood up to exit, a stranger called out, “Little girl, yuh skirt mess up.” She turned to see a red stain on the seat and felt the wetness on her skirt. Before she could process what was happening, passengers began taunting her:
“Come clean up yuh mess!”
“She’s so nasty!”
“Where is her mother?”
Terrified and humiliated, she fled the bus, ran to school, and collapsed in her guidance counselor’s office, sobbing uncontrollably. Though the counselor comforted her and explained menstruation, the damage was done—her first period became a traumatic event.
This is the reality for countless girls who are unprepared for menstruation and shamed when it arrives. Studies show that period stigma contributes to anxiety, school absenteeism, and even depression among adolescents (UNICEF, 2022). In low-resource settings, lack of access to menstrual products and education exacerbates the problem (World Bank, 2021).
We must change the narrative.
Menstruation is a natural biological process—not something to fear or be ashamed of. By normalizing conversations about periods, we can empower girls with knowledge and confidence. Schools should provide comprehensive menstrual education, and communities must reject the stigma that silences and shames young girls.
Let’s ensure that no girl ever feels crushed by period shame again. The time for open, honest discussions is now.
Previously published: https://flairja.com/power-of-period-shame/#google_vignette
