Find out more about The Open University's Law courses and qualifications.

The piece is part of the ‘Free to Bleed: Data Driven Advocacy and Art for Menstrual Justice’ project, an Open University and Vagina Museum collaboration funded by the Open Societal Challenges initiative. The article also relates to Open University law modules including W340: Law, Society, and Culture, and W350: Exploring Legal Boundaries. 

What is Menstrual Health Day?

In 2014, WASH United responded to ongoing stigma relating to menstruation by initiating Menstrual Hygiene Day (WASH United, 2026a). It is now recognised as a global movement that seeks to create ‘a powerful wave of attention for menstruation each year through media coverage, events, and social media campaigns (WASH United, 2026b).

It is important to note that this day is also known as Menstrual Health Day due to the potential perpetuation of damaging narratives around menstruation being a ‘hygiene’ issue. Therefore, campaigns and activist groups, such as Bloody Good Period (2025), have advocated for reframing the event to move away from a ‘hygiene’ focus, to the more holistic ‘health’ framing, with the acknowledgement that periods intersect with many issues such as health, social and economic issues, and indeed, legal issues. As such, this article refers to the title of Menstrual Health Day.

When is Menstrual Health Day?

Menstrual Health Day is celebrated on the 28^th May. The timing of the celebration is menstrually symbolic as the date represents the average of 28 days per cycle and the month represents the average length of a period (5 days) (Menstrual Hygiene Day, 2026).

How can you get involved with Menstrual Health Day?

1. Act: If you are reading this and are experiencing gynaecological issues and have not spoken to a healthcare professional, make this your day to act. There is a stigma around speaking up on issues ‘down below’ and this has negative and potentially life-threatening consequences. Make a note in your diary to contact a healthcare professional and/or make an appointment.
2. Educate: Take some time to learn more about menstrual health and related topics.  There are an increasing number of academic publications that showcase historic and contemporary issues in understanding and treating gynaecological issues, including menstruation.
3. Follow: Social media, and particularly Instagram, is a key place of education and raising awareness on menstruation. If you have access to social media, check out local charities and groups in your area to find out more about campaigns and opportunities to get involved.  
4. Donate: Many NGOs, charities, and campaign and activist groups who advocate for menstrual justice rely on donations, including cash and period product donations. If you are in a position do so, consider donating to a local organisation or reaching out about volunteering opportunities.
5. Display: To raise awareness of Menstrual Health Day, grab something red or pink from your wardrobe or local charity shop to mark the occasion. If you are the crafty kind, you might also wish to mark the occasion by creating your own menstrual themed jewellery. While these may seem like small steps, they can lead to big impacts as wearing something eye catching can lead to important conversations around menstrual health and related issues. 

There are many ways to mark Menstrual Health Day, feel free to comment alternative ideas in the comments/review section below, and let us know how you plan on celebrating this important day. If you would like to get in touch with us regarding the ‘Free to Bleed’ project, please contact sophie.doherty@open.ac.uk or follow us on Instagram @freetobleedproject.