International Dignified Menstruation Day

The 8th of December is International Dignified Menstruation Day, recognizing that DM is a concern of human rights and call to end menstrual discrimination as a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Menstrual Discrimination:

Menstrual Discrimination refers to taboos, shyness, shame, stigma, restrictions, abuses, violence, and deprivation from resources that are associated with menstruation throughout the life cycle of menstruators (girls, women transmen, queer) and all people born with a uterus and ovaries.

However, the Menstrual cycle is a normal biologic phenomenon.

The theme for International Dignified Menstruation Day 2025 is “Dignified Menstruation: Reclaim Inherent Dignity, Equity, and Inalienable Rights.”

Menstruation is not something to feel ashamed of. It is a natural and respectful part of every woman’s life. Discriminating, excluding, or shaming someone because of menstruation is a violation of human rights.This day reminds us to accept menstruation as normal and to create an environment where every woman’s dignity, equality, and basic rights are protected.

What is dignified menstruation?

Dignified Menstruation (DM): DM is a state of freedom from any forms of menstrual discrimination including taboos, stigmas, shyness, shame, abuse, restrictions and violence associated with menstruation throughout the life cycle of menstruators.

Menstruation is a natural fact of life and a normal procedural event for 1.8 billion people of reproductive age. Yet millions around the world are denied the right to manage their menstrual cycles in a dignified and healthy way. Due to this reason, this day has been celebrated on December 8 with the message that menstruation is very normal and should not be ashamed. This day is also part of 16 days campaign against gender violence.

This is the seventh edition of International Dignified Menstruation Day.