33113702The first book to explore menstruation in the current cultural and political landscape and to investigate the new wave of period activism taking the world by storm.
After centuries of being shrouded in taboo and superstition, periods have gone mainstream. Seemingly overnight, a new, high-profile movement has emerged—one dedicated to bold activism, creative product innovation, and smart policy advocacy—to address the centrality of menstruation in relation to core issues of gender equality and equity.
In Periods Gone Public, Jennifer Weiss-Wolf—the woman Bustle dubbed one of the nation’s “badass menstrual activists”—explores why periods have become a prominent political cause. From eliminating the tampon tax, to enacting new laws ensuring access to affordable, safe products, menstruation is no longer something to whisper about. Weiss-Wolf shares her first hand account in the fight for “period equity” and introduces readers to the leaders, pioneers, and everyday people who are making change happen. From societal attitudes of periods throughout history—in the United States and around the world—to grass roots activism and product innovation, Weiss-Wolf challenges readers to face stigma head-on and elevate an agenda that recognizes both the power—and the absolute normalcy—of menstruation.

My Review

This was such a shocking but also a truly inspirational read! I actually read this months ago and have been sitting on my review not sure when I should post it. Even though we live in the 21st century and almost anything can be discussed in public without embarrassment, I felt slightly unsure about the reception I’d get to a book review about menstruation.  Yes it’s only on my blog, Goodreads and amazon, so it’s not like I’m standing on a street corner shouting about Period Inequality or running the London Marathon ‘free bleeding’, unlike some of the period activists  mentioned in this book.

The only period activists I’d read about before was, Arunachalam Muruganantham in a BBC article from a few years ago. He’s one of many people mentioned in the book finding ways to bring cheaper and hygienic sanitary wear to women in India and around the world.

I read shocking stories about homeless women finding it nearly impossible to gain access to tampons and towels, and also the barbaric treatment of women in US prisons whilst having their periods. It made me realise how unfair women are treated in society because we bleed every month. Why should girls miss school because they can’t find the money for the exorbitant price of a box of tampons or sanitary towels?! Why are these essentials still being taxed in some countries?

It’s not all doom and gloom though, as the author highlights all the positive activities that are happening around the world to fight menstrual inequality.

A definite must read for women of all ages.

Thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing, Arcade Publishing for my digital ARC.