AllMatters: Tackling menstrual taboos

TABOO: Global Periods

Menstruation affects half the world’s population, but not in the same ways. From feeling embarrassed or not being able to afford period products to being restricted by religious and social rules.

The impact of any taboo is difficult to understand when viewed from the outside. That is why this project’s purpose is to explore factors such as culture, gender, and religion that are linked to menstrual taboos and traditions in a wide variety of settings – from the jungles of the Amazon, and rural Africa, to central London and beyond.

No matter where we are or the circumstances we grew up in, periods are an indisputable part of our lives. This platform’s goal is to bring the overlooked subject of periods to people’s attention and foster a better understanding of it and the obstacles it poses.

The project uncovers how periods are dealt with in a multitude of cultures around the globe. What does it mean to get your first period in the Guna tribes of Panama? Why are young Nepalese girls left alone in huts during their periods? How come young girls are missing up to 20% of their education in Africa? How do you deal with your period if you’re homeless, working as a prostitute, or a soldier in the field?

The objective is not to pass judgement on traditions, religion, or economic situations but to open the eyes of the reader to other cultures and how they too, might relate to someone across the world.

The project is initiated by AllMatters and photographer Nikolaj Møller. The first six stories are all published on the project website tabooglobalperiods.com.