World Menstrual Hygiene Day Event Champions Period Dignity

Young women from across the district came together on Thursday 28 May to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day at a special event supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and delivered in partnership with Changing Cycles.

First celebrated in 2014, World Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global awareness campaign that brings together organisations, communities and advocates to promote good menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls. Its vision is that by 2030, no one will be held back because they menstruate.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Geraldine Kearns said, “Menstrual health is a wellbeing issue, an education issue and an equality issue. By creating safe spaces for open conversations and learning, we can help break stigma and ensure young people feel informed, supported and confident.

“We are delighted to support Joanne Callan from Changing Cycles in delivering this important event and to welcome students from across the district.”

The event focused on menstrual health, wellbeing and education, empowering Year 10 students with knowledge, confidence and practical wellbeing skills through a series of interactive workshops and information sessions.

Students explored the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing — Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give — encouraging young women to view menstrual health as an important part of their overall physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. In addition, the event highlighted the Period Products Scheme, which provides free period products in public libraries across Northern Ireland to ensure anyone who needs access to essential supplies can obtain them safely, discreetly and with dignity.

Despite growing awareness, period poverty and menstrual stigma continue to impact many young people across Northern Ireland and the UK, with research showing that many girls still miss school because of period-related issues or lack of access to period products.

Joanne Callan from Changing Cycles added, “Our vision at Changing Cycles is ‘a world where the cyclical nature of women is understood, integrated and respected in everyday life’. Hosting an event of this scale in our local area is an important step towards achieving that vision.

“I would like to thank Caoimhe Kenny, current Miss Ireland, for adding her voice to the importance of menstrual dignity for all, alongside our partner organisations for helping make the event possible. They were Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Public Health Agency, Volunteer Now, Libraries NI, Newry Bid, Clanrye Medical and Clanrye Practice Multi-Disciplinary Team and LA519.”