On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28 May, the Iranian Scientific Association of Epidemiology organized a virtual event titled Towards a Period-Friendly Iran: A Comprehensive Look at Menstrual Health on 28 May, bringing together over 900 participants from diverse sectors and different parts of the country. The event was organized in collaboration with the National Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Iranian Scientific Association of Midwifery, and the Iranian Sociological Association. The gathering featured key Iranian health experts from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, academia,  as well as  UN agencies such as  UNFPA, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. This pivotal discussion underscored the need to address menstrual health comprehensively, championing dignity and equity for women and girls across the country.

Dr. Farid Najafi, president of the Iranian Scientific Association of Epidemiology, opened the session by underscoring the need for a holistic approach to menstrual health and highlighting the event’s significance. “The presence of over 900 participants is a testament to the growing recognition of menstrual health as a vital public health and social issue,” he said.

Ms. Ayna Seyitlieva, UNFPA’s International Programme Coordinator, delivered a powerful address, emphasizing that “every day, millions are denied the dignity, care, and support needed for menstrual health due to disparities, stigma, and taboos around menstruation. Period poverty can force girls to miss school or work, with lasting impacts on education and economic opportunities. Menstrual health is intrinsically linked to rights — including the rights to dignity, education, and empowerment.” She highlighted UNFPA’s global efforts, including the distribution of dignity kits and support for safe sanitation in emergencies, underscoring the importance of collective action under this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day theme: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.

Dr. Nahid Khodakarami, President of the Iranian Scientific Association of Midwifery, echoed the call for inclusivity, not a taboo. She stressed the engagement of men and boys - the fact that they should also be educated about menstruation to address cultural barriers and harmful stereotypes.

Dr. Farid Najafi provided an epidemiological perspective, noting that while nearly 2 billion people menstruate monthly worldwide, approximately 500 million struggle with menstrual management — a challenge not limited to low-income countries. Alarmingly, he pointed out that in Iran, few studies have examined menstrual health, despite its profound implications for women’s well-being.

Dr. Roya Gholami, a representative of the Iranian Scientific Association of  Midwifery, shared firsthand experiences from midwives, highlighting that menstrual health education gaps are not limited to illiterate communities — even highly educated individuals can hold persistent myths, such as the harmfulness of washing during menstruation. She drew on international examples of cultural celebration to normalize menstruation, like dances and special meals marking a girl’s first period in some traditions.

Dr. Farshid Rezaei, director of Health Education and Promotion of the Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of considering the cultural context when designing interventions related to the distribution of menstruation products.

Dr. Simin Kazemi, representing the Iranian Sociological Association, offered a historical perspective, noting that traditional views have long linked menstruation to impurity, fueling stigma and pseudoscience that still linger in some communities.

Dr. Changizi and Dr. Soudabeh Kazemi, both specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, highlighted successful global initiatives to reduce period poverty and called for a shift in the language and discourse surrounding menstruation.

Finally, experts from UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO shared global and national actions to address period poverty, including providing infrastructure, distributing menstrual hygiene kits, financial assistance, and conducting public education and awareness campaigns.  In addition to this, Ms. Golbabaei, Programme Associate from UNFPA, said: “UNFPA globally works on menstrual health and combating period poverty. Providing dignity kits containing hygiene items, especially during natural disasters and emergencies, is one of these actions. In Iran in 2024, UNFPA successfully distributed and prepared more than 2,000 kits. Additionally, UNFPA engages in direct and indirect education on menstrual hygiene and supports women’s and girls’ access to private and safe spaces. UNFPA also actively contributes to empowering women to meet their own hygiene needs and supports governments in data collection to help policymakers with needs assessments and data analysis.”

The event served as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and policy dialogue, reinforcing the need for collective action to ensure that menstruation does not limit the health, dignity, or opportunities of any woman or girl.