Last week, our Founder had the incredible opportunity to attend a groundbreaking event at the 58th Session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD58). For the first time, menstrual health was placed at the center of global discussions on population and development – a historic and much-needed milestone.

This impactful session was organized by the phenomenal team at Fós Feminista and co-sponsored by the Government of the Philippines, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, Executive Director of the Commission on Population and Development. Thanks to her commitment, menstrual health received the attention and respect it deserves on the CPD agenda.

The room was filled with powerful voices and organizations, including EVA Nigeria, Equipop, and First Step Action for Children Initiative. These champions are working to break barriers and build dignity around menstruation in communities worldwide.

Tackling myths, taboos, and harmful norms

The conversations tackled deeply rooted myths – especially the belief that menstruation signals readiness for marriage or childbearing. This dangerous narrative continues to push girls out of school and into early marriages across many regions.

“It’s actually a sad situation that this is what people use to define womanhood, rather than recognizing it as a natural part of the life cycle. We’ve seen it become a marker for when people carry out practices like FGM, or when they push girls into early, child, and forced marriage. It’s something we need to stop — and we need to be able to push back and continue to advocate.”

Fadekemi Akinfaderin, Chief Global Advocacy Officer, Fòs Feminista

“And we have all been socialized and cultured. We see menstruation as laced with all manner of myths and misconceptions. A very popular one in Nigeria – when you get your first menstruation is that, oh, now maybe once you see a man, you get pregnant, something like that.”

Oluwatoyin Chukwudozie, EVA Nigeria

Participants also discussed how shame and silence around periods continue to limit opportunities for girls and women. These taboos reinforce inequality and deny menstruators the support they need to thrive.

“What we’ve seen is that for so long there has been a culture of silence, shame, and secrecy around menstruation – when, in fact, it’s something completely natural.”

Fadekemi Akinfaderin, Chief Global Advocacy Officer, Fòs Feminista

Kemi added that it’s critical to raise visibility in all kinds of spaces — at the political level, within communities, and at the national level.

“So that people can menstruate with dignity, with access to their rights, to justice, to the tools and products they need to live a dignified life – free from shame and discrimination.”

Spotlighting progress

Despite these challenges, there was powerful evidence of progress. The Philippines is integrating menstrual health into national policy frameworks. In Senegal and Nigeria, grassroots organizations are making strides to shift social norms, provide access to menstrual products, and influence government policies.

FlowReady is proud to stand with this movement

At FlowReady, we are fully aligned with this global movement to center dignity, education, and rights in menstrual health conversations. Our mission to support pre-menarchial girls in Uganda … and eventually across Eastern Africa and even in North America, here we are registered – directly reflects the goals and values raised at CPD58.

We believe menstrual health is about more than hygiene—it’s about freedom, respect, and a future where no girl is held back because of her period.

What’s next?

We left this event inspired and hopeful. The session was short but transformative, and we’re excited to share more soon.

Look out for videos and deeper reflections from this historic gathering. Let’s keep the conversation going and keep pushing for menstrual justice around the world.