Women adapt lifestyle for fear of ‘period dramas’ - Water Aid survey
The majority of women (67 per cent) admit to adapting their lifestyle because they fear awkward period dramas such as leaking onto clothes, having to hide sanitary products on the way to the loo or being caught short with no toilet nearby – according to new research released by WaterAid.
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The international charity launched its #period drama campaign to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28 and raise awareness of issues faced by more than one billion women around the world who do not have access to a toilet during their periods. They are calling on people to sign their “Toilet Saves Lives” petition to help women live with the dignity they deserve.
WaterAid asked over a thousand women from across the UK about their dread of experiencing a #period drama and the (sometimes hilarious) results help shine a light on the awkwardness menstruating women here face, even today. Based on the results, the charity has produced a light-hearted short film using popular period dramas to illustrate the centuries old most awkward “period dramas”. Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/-60TFBMO8Yo
The survey shows that three quarters of women (75 per cent ) say they regularly fear a drama when on their period. Half the number of respondents — women— (51 per cent ) revealed they had to change their lifestyle occasionally to avoid the possibility of an embarrassing period drama, while 17 per cent said they did that all the time.
Three quarters of respondents (76 per cent ) said a major period fear is blood leaking onto clothes when out in public. A major annoyance, experienced by 55 per cent of women, is a dread of smelling bad, while 42 per cent expressed coyness around having to hide sanitary products on their way to the work toilet.
Not knowing where the next toilet might be while travelling was a preoccupation for 42 per cent of women, while 25 per cent admitted craving huge amounts of chocolate! A third (29 per cent ) fear sneezing while on their period and the risk of subsequent leakage, while only six per cent of women reported experiencing no fears of period dramas.
Four out of five women (81 per cent) said they would never ask a stranger for a sanitary product if caught short, while 37 per cent wouldn’t even ask a friend or colleague even though 76 per cent of us would happily give to a “sister in need”.
Over half of the respondents (52 per cent ) said they felt less confident than usual when experiencing a period drama and 25 per cent felt really unconfident. Period pain even forces 15 per cent of women to take sick leave.
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With all these monthly trials and tribulations, most women (89 per cent) agreed that men are at an advantage for not having to deal with period dramas.
WaterAid’s Country Representative, Dr Afia S. Zakiya, said: “Since the dawn of time, women have had periods – yet most of us still consider it an embarrassing and taboo subject.”
“In many cultures, menstruating women have to navigate archaic social taboos around periods that can see them unable to eat with their family, having to sleep outside the family home and shut out of religious ceremonies – there are even taboos about touching food.”
“By giving this issue the attention it deserves, we will help ensure every woman and girl has access to water, safe toilets and somewhere to wash by 2030.”
Watch the film: https://youtu.be/-60TFBMO8Yo
For more information or to arrange interviews please contact: Kafui Nyaku, Communications and Campaign Officer on 0209989518.