International Women's Day 2024

Often the phrase seems to apply only to the needs of women who can have children. This perspective is reflected in media coverage, health care provision, and research. In reality, from the very start of puberty through to the end of a woman’s life, there are several points during which she requires sexual and reproductive health care. As we reflect on International Women’s Day’s 2024 theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” we want to raise awareness of how girls, women, and all those born with a uterus, have these specific health needs during every decade of life.

Girls around the world are starting their period at earlier ages.[i] An earlier start to menstruation has long-term health implications including increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In 2018, the Ministry of Health gathered data on age of first period in Aotearoa for the first time; Dr. Sarah Donovan found that while the average age is 13 years old, many girls are starting to menstruate as early as nine years old or sometimes even eight.[ii] The same data revealed that one in 16 girls start their period in primary school in Aotearoa.  In some cultures, a girl’s first period is cause for celebration, including for some Māori who view menstruation, ikura, as a sacred gift, a connection to their whakapapa, and a reminder of our connection to the land.[iii]   In several other contexts, girls have not been informed and educated about menstruation before, or even after, they first experience it.[iv] Many girls left on their own to navigate stigma, logistical and financial challenges that surround periods.  Recent research by Dr. Clark and Dr. Fleming revealed that many girls and women in Aotearoa experience period poverty; they report that 19% of Māori youth have experienced period poverty, and 16% had to miss school because they couldn’t afford menstrual products.[v]

The conclusion of a woman’s period is just as important as its beginning. Menopause and perimenopause have recently gained popular attention. More people are becoming aware of debilitating symptoms which some women experience during these stages.  Hormonal imbalances can result in hot flashes, depression, sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and loss of cognitive focus. These wide-ranging symptoms can negatively impact all aspects of a woman’s life: physical, mental and emotional health, familial and romantic relationships and professional experiences. Gender at Work reported in mid-February this year, that 1 in 12 women resign due to menopause symptoms.[vi] The fact that menopause is only recently gaining attention, highlights how women beyond childbearing years have suffered only to have their health issues dismissed.

At Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa we understand a woman’s sexual and reproductive health is linked to all other aspects of her wellbeing: physical, emotional, social, and for some, spiritual. For this reason, the concept of wellbeing grounds our new name and identity. We provide clinical services, education, and advocate for girls and women of all ages. Whether they are learning about relationships, looking for help on how to manage their period, seeking a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), curious about contraceptive methods, inquiring about how to handle symptoms of menopause, or obtaining treatment for a prolapsed uterus, we aim to ensure that their needs are met across the life course.

As we consider this year’s theme of “Inspiring Inclusion” we aim to highlight how reproductive and sexual needs of girls and women, in all stages of life, interconnect to several aspects of health and wellbeing. It is critical that we pay attention to the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls of all ages, especially since so many have long been ignored.

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[i] Leone T, Brown LJ. Timing and determinants of age at menarche in low income and middle-income countries. BMJ Global Health 2020;5:e003689. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2020-00368

[ii] ‘Education and support for menstrual periods needed in Primary Schools’ Otago News, 3 October 2018

[iii] ‘Why Māori celebrate he ikura/period’ Renews.co.nz 24 January 2024

[iv] Chandra-Mouli, V., & Patel, S. V. (2020). Mapping the knowledge and understanding of menarche, menstrual hygiene and menstrual health among adolescent girls in low-and middle-income countries. The Palgrave handbook of critical menstruation studies, 609-636.

[v] Period poverty contributing to inequity in New Zealand, Auckland University News, 20 February 2020

[vi] 'One in 12 women resign during menopause and it's time organisations do better' - Fuseworks (fuseworksmedia.com) 20 February 2024