Community Ambassadors: Breaking Down Period Stigma

The Real Horror: Period Stigma Still Haunts Us

As part of our Periods Unmasked campaign, we’re shining a light on the real horrors that surround menstruation—the silence, the stigma, and the shame that still keep too many people from accessing the products and care they need. While fake blood flows freely on Halloween, period blood remains hidden in the shadows. But it’s time for that to change.

At Bloody Good Period, our Community Ambassadors are leading the change to break down these barriers, sharing their experiences to normalise conversations about periods and reclaim the narrative around menstruation. Their insights offer not only encouragement but also practical tips for fostering open dialogue and ending the stigma that too often surrounds periods.

Read on to discover their insights on the importance of open conversations and tips for normalising conversations about periods. 

1. Periods are natural and beautiful

Periods should be seen as a part of everyday life and something to celebrate: 

"For me, I don’t have to be ashamed about my period, because it is what many women and adults go through”— Nneka 

"Don’t be scared or feel embarrassed when someone tells you that they can see blood on your clothes. [...] Periods are beautiful because it is the best way to multiply on this planet, for us to exist."— Angela

Watch Sandra’s Story

2. Guide others through open dialogue

It is so important for us to talk about menstruation openly, because sharing knowledge enables us to support and learn from one another: 

“I share what I have learned from Bloody Good Period with others to open up conversations about periods. Now my friends come and talk to me if they are worried about anything. My friend told me her daughter was bleeding 3-4 times a month - I advised her to go speak to a GP and she did.”— Sandra

“Learning to talk about periods helped me. I used to be shy, but when I embraced talking about periods, I realised that mine weren’t normal. They were painful and really heavy. Talking made me more aware of my body and how my periods have changed over time.”— Ruth

Watch Trish’s Story

3. Normalise Conversations with Family and Friends

Starting discussions with family and friends is key to breaking down taboos, and it is important for all genders to learn about menstruation: 

“My children are too young to really understand periods, but when they can, I will talk to my boys the same way as the girls. It is important that everyone learns.”— Cat

Here is an example of how you can kick off a conversation: 

“I start by sharing my own experience to bring my friend in. For example, I may say “I am on my period, it is so heavy but I am so happy that I am not using the right products and know where to get more”, then I may ask ‘how is yours? Do you have a heavy flow?’”— Trish

4. Overcoming Shame and Building Confidence

Having opportunities to talk with others about menstruation has the power to transform shame to confidence: 

“If someone told me that they were embarrassed to talk about periods, then I would say that I used to be like you. I was so shy, so afraid [...] At that time if people spoke about periods, I would leave the conversation. I didn’t want to talk about it. Bloody Good Period has opened my eyes and given me the confidence to talk about periods. Every time we meet, I get more confident and the fear disappears. I would now say to anyone embarrassed to talk about periods, be proud of yourself. Be proud of your period.”— Cat

"There is a lot of stigma around periods, but I see them as normal and natural. I grew up with periods being something that is not easy to talk about but now I am confident about sharing and talking about periods."— Sandra

Watch Cat’s story

5. Access to Period Products: A Basic Right

Period products should be accessible and free for everyone. Angela powerfully addresses menstrual inequity, describing how not being able to access period products can negatively impact so many aspects of life:

“I experienced going through my menstrual cycle, bleeding and pain and not having enough money to buy pads. This put me in a situation where I had to use a washcloth or toilet paper while also wearing two pants for 3 or 5 days.

Because of that I always ended up having urine infections and chafing because of the rubbing against my washcloth. Trust me, it was very painful and also caused a lot of burning and blisters.

I went through a lot of embarrassment from not being able to go college or to my appointments because of the fear that it may mess up my skirt with my period blood. 

Now, I say there is nothing wrong with periods, they are the wonderful blessing of being a mother. It’s an amazing way to allow us to multiply on this planet. 

Don’t feel scared or embarrassed when you find yourself in a situation you don’t have control- just ask for help.

Stop stigmatising periods or pretending not to see hundreds of people going through their period cycle without any period products. Period products should be free for everybody regardless of their position in life or where they live in this country.”— Angela

6. Breaking the Silence for Better Health

The stigma around periods often prevents people from seeking the healthcare they need: 

“For health, it is important to talk about periods. If you don’t talk to people, you cannot get the benefit. Firstly, you can’t get the benefit of friends’ advice about home remedies like hot water bottles, hot drinks and food that may help. Secondly, you will not get the benefit of speaking openly with the GP” — Neelam 

"It is important to talk to people about your period because it might not be ok. You might need medical help. If you talk to others then you can share and understand different experiences. If you are comfortable talking about periods, then you can also seek advice."— Ruth

Join Us in Breaking the Silence

Our Community Ambassadors are proof that open conversations can break down period stigma, providing support, education, and access to period products. Their stories show how talking about menstruation is essential—whether for health, emotional support, or simply to normalise what is a natural part of life.

Do you want to learn more about how you can take a stand against period stigma and silence? Come with us and join the period revolution!