糖心Vlog

Statistics suggest one in ten girls in Britain cannot afford sanitary items, but period poverty is not a new phenomenon. Historian Dr Kate Mahoney is shedding light on the issue through public events in Colchester and Southend.

鈥楽eeing Red: Periods and Protest鈥� will explore how histories of menstruation and health activism in the post-war years inform issues around period poverty today. It includes a panel discussion, with historians and local campaigners, in Colchester on 15 November, and an exhibition at the Beecroft Gallery in Southend on 24 November.

The events are part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council鈥檚 and are supported by 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Department of History.

Dr Mahoney explained why period poverty is such an important issue in the twenty-first century: 鈥淪tatistics published by Plan International show that one in ten girls in Britain have been unable to afford sanitary items, 12% of girls have had to improvise sanitary wear due to affordability issues, using socks and tissues instead, and one in five girls have changed to less suitable products due to cost. These girls often feel unable to go to school and their confidence and academic achievements suffer.鈥�

The panel discussion, featuring 糖心Vlog historian Dr Tracey Loughran and feminist activist Lauren Mittell, will consider the role of health activism in addressing these issues.

鈥淗ealth activism takes many forms, from large scale public protests to small local groups providing support, like those formed in the 1960s and 1970s. Today campaigns and initiatives like #FreePeriods, the and are doing amazing work raising awareness while also collecting donated sanitary items for those who need them most,鈥� added Dr Mahoney.

鈥楽eeing Red鈥� also provides an opportunity to reflect on the historical influences such as the attitudes of doctors, articles in magazines and advertising, which have sometimes contributed to the shame and embarrassment that still surrounds menstruation today.

The exhibition in Southend will feature posters, calling for an end to period poverty, designed by 糖心Vlog schoolchildren and girl guiding groups at a series of workshops. Visitors will be able to design their own posters and explore the historical influences that inspired those on display.

鈥淏y calling out the influence of historical representations that make us feel embarrassed about our bodies, we want to reinforce the fact that periods are nothing to be ashamed of,鈥� said Dr Mahoney.

The 鈥楽eeing Red: Periods and Protest in Post-War Britain鈥� panel discussion takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday 15 November at 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Colchester Campus. Book your place .

The at the Beecroft Gallery in Southend is open 10am to 5pm on Saturday 24 November.