MH HubProjects & Advocacy
Menstrual Product Standards
2020 - present In Standards We Trust - Why menstrual product standards are a precondition for informed choice, product availability and health equityWe were shocked to notice an exponential increase in the number of businesses who have been regulating themselves and creating their own standards for quality assurance to safeguard the health of their end-users - across the globe. We held informal consultations with seven MH companies and MH experts to better understand how MH companies deal with the standardization of their products.
With this report, we aim to advance the conversations happening around menstrual product standards amidst the rising tide of small business and MH companies now on the market. We want to call attention to the topic within the menstrual community and inform people who menstruate worldwide in an effort to best ensure the health and safety of menstruators everywhere.
Check out the project here
Special thanks to the following for their participation: Aakar Innovations, Aisle, AFRIpads, Callaly, DivaCares / DivaCup, Einhorn, Kasole Secrets Company / Glory Sanitary napkins, Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, Swedish Institute for Standards
Menstrual Product Standards
2020 - 2021 Development and compliance of quality standards for menstrual products in low-to-middle-income countriesWith support from the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC) Innovation Fund Grant under the Menstrual Health Supplies Workstream, Development Solutions implemented a project,, to develop policy guidance for harmonization of technical benchmarks for disposable and reusable sanitary pads in South Asia and Africa. The fruits from this project can now be found on the MH Hub platform, and include lessons on standards development and advocacy, and a database of standards for menstrual products in LMICs. Here users can browse through the different disposable and reusable menstrual product standards available to date.
Check out the project here
The Glossary for the Global Menstrual Movement
2021 - 2022
United by the belief that having a common and inclusive language is key to helping strengthen impact and advance the menstrual movement, Madami and PERIOD. joined forces to create a Glossary for the Menstrual Movement to support the diverse organizations in the female- and menstrual health space. Containing sixty wide-ranging terms, the Glossary celebrates the diversified language to describe menstrual experiences, as well as the multitude of different strands of education, activism and advocacy within the menstrual movement.
With the project, we aim to catalyze inclusion and advocacy around the diverse experiences within the global menstrual community, inclusive of young people, indigenous populations, people of color, people living with disabilities, or other historically marginalized populations who are often not included in the conversation. Learn more about the project here
Decolonizing Menstrual Health
2020 - present
This project aims to center the marginalized voices of those working on menstrual health. It aims to uncover and bring to light the ways in which western, colonial attitudes have influenced what we accept as normal menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) beliefs and practices. Through conversations with key stakeholders and thought leaders in the field, we aim to explore the influence of colonialism on MHH through their eyes, their experiences and their voices.
✓ No More Secrets MBS, #HappyPeriod, I'm With Periods, The Nurse Note, RevaginateNG, Code Red Co., Status Flow Collective, Wellness by SaranLearn more about the project here
Oh Woman
2020 - presentCreated by the ladies at WHAT THE FISH design studio in Munich, Germany, OH WOMAN is a new board game on a mission to clear up and playfully dissolve myths about the female body, removing taboos about periods and female sexuality. Based on the ancient game Mancala, Kalah or Bao, OH WOMAN is currently available in German. Proceeds from the campaign and the game will go towards providing period products for homeless menstruators in need in Germany through their charity partner Periodensystem. All questions and answers are checked and verified by the Menstrual Health Hub.
✓ Oh Woman
Learn more about Oh Woman here
Breaking Blades
2019 - 2020
The objective of this project is to generate awareness about female genital mutilation / cutting. (FGM.C.). The event series includes panel discussions, interviews with guest speakers, film screenings, a photo- and art exhibition and a vulva modeling workshop. Partners include:
✓ Antje Pohsegger, Terres des FemmesLearn more about the project here
The Case for Menstruation at Women Deliver
2019More than 8,000 people from 165 different countries came to Women Deliver in Vancouver to advance gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women. Downstairs at the Fuelling Station, 'The Case for Menstruation' (booth 160) came alive with an menstrual advocacy programme of new research, product demonstrations, expert talks and more.
✓ The Case For Her, AFRIpads, Femme International, Kasha, UNFPA,PHAU, Bfree, BeGirl, PSI Europe, Lunapads, Bloody Good Period, Simavi, Menstrual Hygiene Day/WASH United, WaterAid, Unbound, Ruby Cup, Clue, WoMena, Lunette
It's a Bloody Time Event Series
2017 - 2019
Berlin-based event series focused on menstrual health awareness-raising, education, policy, and social enterprise.
✓ einhorn.period. Kulmine, Crafts & Cramps, Sinnaptic Labs, Callaly, Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, Inga Lauman, Ooia, Ruby Cup, The Female Company, erdbeerwocheThe Berlin Female Health Collective
2017 - 2019The MH Hub started an informal gathering of people who are interested in the topic of female health to meet monthly. Ranging from menstrual health to contraception to breast cancer and sexuality, this group has become a very active Facebook group of over 600 members.
Join the Berlin Female Health Collective here
