On May 28, the River Mall in Kyiv hosted an event dedicated to Menstrual Hygiene Day. It aimed to change not only the rhetoric but also the very attitude to the topic, which has been shrouded in silence, jokes, or shame for decades. The event was initiated by the NGO Girls, which actively works to educate and support girls and women in various ways.From morning till evening, the 3rd floor of River Mall turned into a meeting place for women, teenagers, specialists, parents, and other people who cared. There were lectures on menstruation, reproductive health, contraception, and sex education, as well as doctor consultations, open discussions, themed activities, gift drawings, and lots of meaningful communication.
One of the stands invited everyone to learn more about menstrual hygiene products. Those were not only pads and tampons but also modern reusable alternatives, including menstrual cups and special underwear. The women experts explained in detail how to use them properly, how to choose the ones that fit best, and why making a conscious choice of such products is part of taking care of yourself.
“It's not just girls and women who are embarrassed to talk about menstruation. The media themselves often keep silent on this topic. We have been repeatedly refused to publish materials with the wording “they don't talk about this.” But we have talked, we are talking, and we will continue to talk about this as long as there is stigma, lack of information, and discrimination. Menstruation is still a cause of ridicule, misunderstanding, and even social isolation, especially among teenagers. We organized this event to show that it is normal to talk about your body, it is necessary to take care of yourself, and support should be available to everyone,” says Yuliya Sporysh, the NGO Girls’ Founder.
Medical experts also told the guests about the importance of regular check-ups, an attentive attitude to one's body, and health awareness. In particular, Halyna Vetokh, an obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostician, and PhD in medicine from the “DniproLab”, emphasized simple but extremely important things that every girl or woman can do on her own.
“The most common mistake I see in my practice is a lack of a menstrual calendar. This is a very important tool for understanding your health. It is worth writing down when your period started and ended, the nature of your discharge, any complaints or changes during the cycle. Discharge, pain, unusual symptoms - all these should be recorded. The menstrual cycle is a mirror of the body’s general condition. Don't be afraid of irregularities. This is not a verdict, but only a reason to act and consult a specialist.”
In addition to informative talks, everyone had the opportunity to undergo rapid diagnostics. The representatives of the “DniproLab” measured the level of ferritin, a protein that is the main indicator of iron reserves in the body, free of charge. This is especially important for women, as prolonged or heavy menstruation can lead to a decrease in iron levels and the development of iron deficiency anemia, which affects their health and cycle.
This day has become a reminder that menstruation is not an embarrassing topic, not a “woman's business” that should be hidden. It is a reality that affects millions of women and deserves to be open, respected, and normalized.
The event was made possible through the joint efforts of the NGO Girls, Always, the network of medical diagnostic centers “DniproLab”, as well as the partnership support of the River Mall and Babe Laboratorios.
