Even in 2024, menstruation, which is a natural occurrence for women, is considered a taboo. Young girls are still unaware of their bodies and don’t even have basic health education. This lack of menstrual health education is leading to a rise in misinformation. Millions of girls are being taken out of schools as soon as they start their cycle. But Whisper, a leading feminine care brand’s latest ad campaign, has gained much appreciation. It aims to spread awareness about early menstruation and educate young kids that getting periods means being healthy. Here’s why Whisper’s campaign on period education needs your attention.
In their latest ad, Whisper shows how girls are starting their periods at an early age of just eight years. According to studies, the early onset of periods is related to lifestyle changes, genetics, stress, childhood illness, weight changes, and hormonal imbalances. Since period education comes much later, and in a very haphazard manner, these girls, knowing nothing better, believe they are going to die as they spot some blood. But who’s going to tell them that getting their cycle is completely normal and means they have hit puberty?
With their campaign #KeepGirlsInSchool, Whisper aims to educate young girls and boys and encourage their parents to provide a safe environment to teach them that getting periods means a girl is healthy. It shows how teaching young children in an encouraging and empowering manner could help them grasp the concept of periods, puberty, and the female body and have a positive association with themselves. Every year, 26 million girls are at risk of dropping out of school as they start their cycle. And with this campaign, Whisper tries to educate people to refrain from doing that.
Have you taught your children about menstruation?
If you’re a young couple with children around 6-7 years old, you need to set a better example. Teaching not just your girls but also boys will help reduce the stigma around periods and lead to healthier discussions. Moreover, the men of the family should actively participate in such conversations and educate their kids. Periods are not a taboo subject anymore, and with an early menarche, children should be aware of how their bodies work. So, spread awareness and talk to your children about such things from a young age. It will allow them to feel safe and supported instead of confused, ashamed, or scared.
So, let Whisper’s campaign on period education become a starting point of a conversation to bring about change and shape young minds to better understand women’s health.
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Related: Are You Mistaking Perimenopause For A Painful Period?