Commissioner for Children and Young People is hosting over 100 representatives from organisations around Australia to talk about periods and menstruation at what is Australia’s first National Period Summit. Presented in collaboration with Taboo, Chalice Foundation, Period Revolution and Modibodi, the Summit is being held to start a conversation on how to create a positive menstrual culture across all Australian communities.
The Period Summit grew out of the Commissioner’s Menstruation Matters report in which young people who menstruate were asked to share their opinions on topics related to managing their menstruation including accessing hygiene products and days of school, sport, social or recreational activities missed, due to period pain. The day features experts from across the field such as Lucy Peach, who will open the day, sharing about the untapped power of menstrual cycles.
Kate Shepard-Cohen from the United Kingdom will speak on GP awareness and a social prescribing model for managing menstrual issues. Jane Bennett, founder of Chalice Foundation will explore the meaning we currently assign to menstruation, and the difference a revolutionary reframing could make, while Sustainability and Social Impact Lead, Sarah Forde from Modibodi, will discuss the impact menstruation has on the environment.
Nikkola Palmer, co-founder of Period Revolution, will discuss the intersectionality of menstruation and the fact that not everyone bleeds the same. Mary Crooks, Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust will present on current trends in workplace policy around menstruation and menopause, while co-founders of Taboo, Isobel Marshall and Eloise Hall, will speak on the need for a voice for young people to be part of menstrual health.
Dr Julie Hennegan from the Burnet Institute, one of the world’s leading menstrual health researchers, will discuss effective measurement and monitoring of menstrual health.
Read the full media release here
Read the Menstruation Matters report here
