A COMPREHENSIVE TEACHER’S GUIDE TO MENSTRUAL HEALTH & HYGIENE
ICEBREAKER ACTIVITY: MENSTRUATION IN HISTORY (1)
Facilitator’s Script for "Menstruation in History"
Good [morning/afternoon], everyone. We will begin with how menstruation has been
perceived throughout history and across cultures. This will help us understand how societal
views have shaped the way we talk about menstruation today.
Instructions
Take a moment to think about the different ways menstruation has been treated or viewed
in history or in various cultures. Perhaps you’ve encountered information about how
menstruation was taboo in the past or how menstruation rituals varied across cultures.
In a moment, I’ll ask each of you to share one interesting historical fact or cultural
perception about menstruation.
*I’ll give you 2-3 minutes to reflect quietly and jot down any thoughts, facts, or ideas that
come to mind about how menstruation was treated historically or in different cultures.
Sharing and Discussion
Now, let’s go around the group. Each of you can share one interesting thing you know about
the history or cultural significance of menstruation. Keep it brief—just one fact or
perception.*
Facilitator’s Prompts]
As teachers share, you can ask:
- “Why do you think that perception was so widespread?”
- “How might these views have shaped modern-day attitudes toward menstruation?”
- “How do you think we can challenge any outdated views moving forward?”
Wrap-Up - 2 Minutes
Great job, everyone! It's clear that menstruation has always been seen through various
cultural and historical lenses. These perspectives have shaped how we approach
menstruation today.
As educators, we play a big role in breaking down old taboos and creating more open,
supportive environments for students. Let’s remember that this conversation is ongoing, and
we can help shape the future by providing inclusive, factual, and respectful education.
[Facilitator’s Discussion Points]
Taboos and Myths:
Historically, menstruation was often seen as something taboo or unclean. In many societies,
menstruating individuals were isolated or restricted from certain activities, such as attending
religious ceremonies or participating in daily social life.
In some cultures, menstruation was linked to mythological or spiritual beliefs. For example,
certain ancient cultures believed menstruating individuals had special powers, while others
thought they were cursed.
Cultural Differences:
In many cultures, menstruation is still seen through a lens of ritual and tradition. For
example, in some cultures, menstruating individuals are treated as sacred or considered to
have a heightened spiritual status. In others, there are specific taboos or prohibitions on
physical activity during menstruation.
Modern-Day Perceptions:
The way we talk about menstruation has evolved dramatically in recent decades. There’s
been a shift toward de-stigmatizing menstruation and normalizing it as a natural bodily
function. But we still have work to do, as there’s ongoing debate about menstrual education,
access to products, and the continued stigma in some areas.
THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF MENSTRUATION (2)
Facilitator’s Script
“Now, let’s have a more serious discussion about the emotional impact that menstruation
can have. Many people experience changes in mood, stress, or discomfort during their
period, and we want to make sure we’re aware of these emotional challenges. Let’s break
into small groups and talk about the following prompt.”
Instructions:
1. Divide participants into small groups.
2. Give each group a prompt (e.g., “How can menstruation affect a person emotionally?” or
“How can we support someone going through emotional changes during their period?”).
3. After 10-15 minutes, have each group share their insights.
4. As the facilitator, note the key points on the whiteboard, such as “mood swings,” “stress,”
or “fatigue,” and discuss ways to support individuals dealing with emotional symptoms
during their period.
Wrap-Up:
Menstruation has a significant impact not just on the body, but also on a person’s emotional
and mental well-being. Many individuals experience mood swings, stress, anxiety, and even
fatigue during their period, which can affect their concentration and overall mood. As
educators, it's essential for us to recognize these emotional shifts and offer the right
support. When we approach menstruation with empathy, understanding, and awareness,
we not only provide physical care but also nurture the emotional health of our students. By
fostering an environment where students feel heard, supported, and safe to express their
emotions, we can help them navigate the challenges of menstruation with confidence. Let’s
work together to ensure that every student feels understood and supported, empowering
them to thrive in both their emotional and academic lives.
UNDERSTANDING MENSTRUAL HEALTH ISSUES (3)
Facilitator’s Script:
“In this activity, we’ll work through a few case studies to help understand different
menstrual health issues. This will also help us understand how we can offer support to
someone experiencing these challenges.”
Instructions:
1. Present the following case studies to the class:
- Case 1: A student experiences very heavy periods and often misses school due to severe
cramps.
- Case 2: A student is struggling with irregular periods and feels concerned.
2. Split the group into smaller discussion groups.
3. Have each group come up with strategies for addressing the health issue (e.g., when to
seek medical advice, helpful products, lifestyle changes, etc.).
4. Have each group present their findings to the class.
Wrap-Up:
Understanding menstrual health issues is crucial for offering the right support to students.
Common challenges such as heavy periods, painful cramps, irregular cycles, and emotional
changes can significantly impact students' well-being. By being aware of these issues, we can
better support students in managing their periods, encourage them to seek medical help
when needed, and ensure they feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Remember,
menstrual health goes beyond just physical symptoms—it also involves the emotional and
psychological impacts that may arise. By creating a supportive and empathetic environment,
we can help students navigate these challenges with confidence and ensure they have the
resources they need for better overall health and well-being.
IMPROVING MENSTRUAL EDUCATION (4)
Facilitator’s Script:
“Let’s work together to think about how we can improve menstruation education in our
school. This will help us create an environment where students feel comfortable learning
and asking questions.”
Instructions:
1. Divide the group into smaller teams and assign each team a brainstorming question, such
as:
- "How can we teach menstruation in a way that feels comfortable and engaging?"
- "What resources can we provide to students who may feel embarrassed about
menstruation?"
2. After 10-15 minutes of brainstorming, have each group present their ideas to the class.
Wrap-Up:
Facilitator’s Conclusion:
“Improving menstrual education is crucial in breaking down the stigma surrounding periods.
As educators, we have the responsibility to create an open and supportive environment
where menstruation is discussed regularly and confidently. It's important to remember that
providing the right resources, fostering inclusive conversations, and creating safe spaces for
questions helps empower students to feel informed and supported.
As educators, we can encourage open dialogue, use respectful and inclusive language, and
recognize that menstruation education isn't just about physical health—it's also about
emotional well-being. Offering a range of resources that cater to diverse needs ensures that
students feel heard and respected. Let’s continue to create an environment where
menstruation is viewed as a normal and natural part of life, helping all students feel
supported, comfortable, and ready to face any challenges that come their way.”
