Feminist Period Politics Around the World

Around the world, periods are becoming more than just a personal topic—they’re becoming political. As more people speak up about the challenges surrounding menstrual health, governments are starting to listen and take action. From tax reform to national product distribution programs, the global landscape of period equity is evolving. These shifts in policy are not only helping millions of menstruators but also opening the door to bigger conversations about gender equality, poverty, education, and human rights.

In 2020, Scotland made history by becoming the first country to make period products free for everyone. This groundbreaking legislation, known as the Period Products (Free Provision) Act, requires local authorities and educational institutions to provide free menstrual products in public places. The idea is simple: no one should have to choose between buying food and buying pads or tampons. For many teens, especially those in low-income households, this law means more than just free supplies—it represents dignity and fairness. It also sends a strong message that menstruation is not a shameful secret, but a natural part of life that deserves public support.

India offers another powerful example of period politics in action, but with a very different approach. In several Indian states, companies are now allowed to offer paid “menstrual leave” to employees who experience pain or discomfort during their cycle. While the idea of menstrual leave has sparked debate, especially around whether it could unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes, it has also opened up important conversations about how workplaces treat female health. At the teen level, this movement encourages young people to speak openly about pain, advocate for their needs in schools, and challenge taboos that still surround menstruation in many parts of India.

In Kenya, the fight for menstrual equity has focused on access and affordability. Over the past decade, activists and lawmakers have pushed for the elimination of taxes on sanitary products, arguing that menstrual hygiene is a basic need, not a luxury. Thanks to their efforts, Kenya was one of the first African nations to remove the value-added tax (VAT) on period products. In addition, the Kenyan government launched a program to distribute free pads to schoolgirls in public institutions. This initiative has had a major impact on school attendance, helping to reduce the number of girls who miss class—or drop out entirely—due to a lack of menstrual supplies.

These stories from Scotland, India, and Kenya show that menstruation is a global issue with deeply local solutions. The political choices a country makes around period products can either reinforce stigma or promote equality. When laws support access and affordability, they help young people stay in school, participate fully in society, and feel seen by their communities.

For teens, especially those passionate about social justice, these international examples can be incredibly inspiring. They show that change is possible and that advocacy matters. Whether it’s writing to a local representative, starting a school club focused on menstrual health, or simply talking openly about periods, every action contributes to a larger movement.

Menstrual equity is not just about pads and tampons; it’s about who gets to feel comfortable, included, and supported in their everyday life. As countries around the world rewrite the rules around periods, young people have the power to push for progress right where they are. Change may begin with a conversation, but it grows when those conversations turn into collective action.