Having no access to clean water can be a period drama, and the charity WaterAid have put together a funny collection of clips to show this.
Of course, as you can imagine, this isn’t just an amusing mash up for your pleasure. WaterAid have released some research that says the majority of women (67%) admit to adapting their lifestyle because they fear awkward #perioddramas such as leaking, hiding tampons or being caught short with no loo nearby.
The international charity is launching its new #perioddrama campaign to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day on Saturday 28th May to raise awareness of issues faced by more than one billion women around the world who do not have access to a toilet during their periods. They’re calling on people to sign their Toilet Saves Lives petition to help women live with the dignity they deserve.
WaterAid asked over a thousand women from across the UK about their dread of experiencing a #perioddrama and the (sometimes hilarious) results help shine a light on the awkwardness menstruating women here face, even today. Based on the results the charity has produced a light-hearted short film using popular period dramas to illustrate the centuries old most awkward “period dramas”.
The survey shows that three quarters of women (75%) saying they regularly fear a drama when on their period. Half of women (51%) revealed they have to change their lifestyle occasionally to avoid the possibility of an embarrassing period drama, while 17% said they do that all the time.
Three quarters of respondents (76%) said a major period fear is blood leaking onto clothes when out in public. A major annoyance, experienced by 55% of women, is a dread of smelling bad, whilst 42% expressed coyness around having to hide sanitary products on their way to the work toilet. A third (29%) fear sneezing while on their period and the risk of subsequent leakage, while only 6% of women reported experiencing no fears of period dramas.
Four out of five women (81%) said they would never ask a stranger for a sanitary product if caught short, while 37% wouldn’t even ask a friend or colleague, even though 76% of us would happily give to a “sister in need”.
Over half (52%) said they felt less confident than usual when experiencing a period drama and 25% felt really unconfident. Period pain even forces 15% of women to take sick leave.
With all these monthly trials and tribulations, most women (89%) agreed that men are at an advantage for not having to deal with period dramas.
Barbara Frost, WaterAid’s Chief Executive, said: “Since the dawn of time, women have had periods – yet most of us still consider it an embarrassing and taboo subject. Our film imagines how the literary heroines Elizabeth Bennett and Jo March may have dealt with their own period dramas.
“Whilst our film is light-hearted, we have a heavy heart when we observe how many women in the developing world have to cope with their periods without being able to lock the toilet door behind them. When there are no safe, private toilets in schools, girls often skip school during their period, or drop out of school altogether once they reach puberty. We need to talk openly about this issue and remove the silence and stigma that surround periods otherwise it will be much more difficult for women and girls to call for change, such as having access to a toilet and running water at school, that will enable them to deal with their periods and play a full and active part in their society no matter what time of month.
“In many cultures, menstruating women have to navigate archaic social taboos around periods that can see them unable to eat with their family, having to sleep outside the family home and shut out of religious ceremonies – there are even taboos about touching food
“By giving this issue the attention it deserves, we will help ensure every women and girl has access to water, safe toilets and somewhere to wash by 2030.”
