Many young women experience their first period in a less-than-ideal setting, such as the classroom.
While some teachers show great compassion, society still tends to view periods as something embarrassing that needs to be hidden.
Marcus Alleyne, a father of three from Cornwall, UK, has started a change.org petition called, "Period Pains (dysmenorrhea) need to be a legitimate reason for absence in schools."
To date, the petition has garnered nearly 80,000 signatures, more than halfway to its goal of 150,000.
As Alleyne points out in his petition, severe period pains have a medical name: dysmenorrhea.
"The reason for this terminology is due to its being a globally recognized medical condition, with a variety of treatment approaches, from over the counter pain relief and a hot water bottle to surgical interventions," Alleyne wrote.
"Registering absences as unauthorized due to a medical condition only affecting women and people who menstruate is a clear demonstration [of disparities]," explained Alleyne.
In short: period pains are a legitimate medical issue, and school boards should recognize them as such.
While it hasn't achieved its goal yet, it seems like Alleyne's petition will easily crack the 100,000 signatures mark. Based on this, along with media attention, it seems likely that the school board will have to respond.
Any parent can likely understand Alleyne's frustration with this. Seeing his daughter in pain, and hearing from the school that it somehow wasn't legitimate, would have been immensely aggravating.
As activist Kay Burley points out, the de-legitimization of period pain is sexism, plain and simple — taking a women's health issue and shoving it into the shadows so no one is made to feel uncomfortable.
It's no surprise, as its message should resonate with women everywhere, along with anyone who has a daughter.
"How many young females, trans and non-binary pupils are being dismissed within the education setting, as a result of diminishing their experiences and unilaterally deciding that their discomfort does not matter?" asks Alleyne.
Based on the fact that it's attracted international media attention, it's safe to say that the message is resonating. It remains to be seen whether Alleyne's daughters' school board, or other school boards, take notice.
A woman's period, and the resulting pain, has long been treated as something to be kept secret. Women, let us know: what do you think of this petition? How could public spaces be more welcoming to women on their period? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
