Menstrual Equity Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Why Men Must Be Part of the Movement to End Period Poverty

Written By Tara Conti, MSN, RN, FNP-BC

As a nurse practitioner working in gynecology, I hear a lot of unexpected things, but it always catches me off guard when someone apologizes for having their period. It is difficult for me to hear someone express embarrassment and remorse for a normal biological function. This shame stems from a culture that continues to foster silence and stigma, forcing many women and girls to manage their periods in secrecy and distress. When we treat menstruation as something to hide, it becomes harder to advocate for resources, funding, and policy change, allowing period poverty to persist. Both this embarrassment felt in an exam room and the structural barriers preventing access to basic menstrual care stem from the same root problem: a society that marginalizes and undervalues menstrual health.

We tend to frame period poverty as a 'women’s issue,' but its impact reaches everyone. When access to menstrual products determines whether someone can attend school, work, or participate fully in daily life, it becomes a public health and economic issue—as well as a matter of basic dignity. Real change requires men to be part of the conversation. Because men occupy so many decision-making roles in our government and our homes, their advocacy is crucial. We need their voices to help break the stigma and ensure menstrual equity for all.

Helping to end period poverty isn't a theoretical exercise for men; it involves taking practical action:

At home, men can:

  • Learn about menstruation and educate their children

  • Budget for and buy menstrual products for family members without hesitation

  • Teach their children that periods are normal biology, not taboo

  • Participate in open conversations about menstruation

  • Model empathy

When fathers normalize menstruation in their homes, they dismantle stigma in the next generation. Most young boys, especially, receive very little meaningful menstrual education. Silence perpetuates misinformation, shame, and teasing. When boys are included in conversations about menstrual health, they become men who are more likely to support equitable policies—as voters, managers, educators, and leaders.

In schools, men can:

  • Support policies that provide free menstrual products in restrooms and locker rooms. 

  • Advocate for comprehensive and co-educational health programs 

  • Allow female students unquestioned access to restrooms when needed

Every time a male teacher or coach responds with understanding instead of dismissal or unease, the stigma around menstruation weakens. Young women should be able to focus on their academics while at school, rather than worrying about not getting a hall pass or being unable to find a pad or tampon. Male faculty and staff have the power to help make this a reality.

In the workplace, men can:

  • Encourage employers to stock menstrual products just like they stock toilet paper, soap, and paper towels

  • Support flexible sick leave policies that recognize menstrual-related issues as legitimate

  • Advocate for accommodations such as remote work or adjusted hours when feasible 

When women feel truly supported in the workplace, they are empowered to bring their most effective selves to their roles. This drives higher performance, increased loyalty and engagement, stronger team dynamics, and greater productivity overall. 

In government and community leadership, men can:

  • Back legislation that removes excessive sales tax on menstrual products

  • Advocate for expanding WIC and SNAP coverage to include menstrual products

  • Fund community distribution programs

  • Partner with local organizations working to eliminate period poverty

Many lawmakers, school board members, and corporate decision-makers are men. When policies determine how menstrual products are taxed, funded in schools, or stocked in public restrooms, those decisions are often made in rooms where men are present—sometimes exclusively. Support from male policymakers can be instrumental in advancing menstrual equity legislation. Change will accelerate when there is shared governance and all decision-makers treat it as a civic responsibility.

By treating menstrual equity as a community-wide priority and broadening the conversation to include men, we can drive better outcomes for everyone. Wellness and dignity are not gendered—they are collective goals we should all share.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views expressed do not represent those of any employers or organizations associated with the author. 


References

  1. McLeod, Andrea. (2025, June 17). Creating Corporate Wellness Programs for Women. https://corehealth.global/blog/creating-corporate-wellness-programs-for-women/ 

Tara Conti, MSN, RN, FNP-BC

Apex resident, Tara Conti has worked for past ten years as a nurse practitioner in the gynecology clinic at NC State Campus Health Center. She adds a unique perspective on how limited access to health education and resources has negative impact on daily life.

Next

What Is Period Poverty — And Why Does It Matter?