Dear signatories old and new,

A huge thank you for your ongoing support in the fight for relatable menstrual language. 

We have some news. 

Unfortunately, due to various reasons, WASH United (founders and campaign managers of Menstrual Hygiene Day) were not able to complete their name changing consultation process ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021 and therefore the day will not be changed officially this year. 

However, the consultation process has begun and the Health Not Hygiene team had our consultation with WASH United last week. Other activists, thought leaders and partners of Menstrual Hygiene Day will have theirs over the coming months with the aim to make any changes, dependent on the result of the consultation, by 2022.

While this is a big delay, we are pleased to announce that the term, 'Menstrual Health', now has an official definition - A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in relation to the menstrual cycle - this can be found in the journal of Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters published last month. This is significant progress for the movement and will really help us to advance the menstrual narrative. 

So, how shall we celebrate this year? 

Menstrual Hygiene Day is next week! On Thursday the 28th of May you can choose to celebrate the day with the language that most resonates with you, regardless of a lack of official renaming. WASH United is also using an acronym, ‘MH Day’, in recognition of a growing movement that refers to the day as Menstrual Health Day. Acronyms, however, can further alienate people who do not already have awareness of the campaign so spell it out wherever you can! 

As ever, we’ll be celebrating World Menstrual Health Day next week and we encourage you to as well. Engage with us on socials and let’s keep adding pressure until the day better resonates with us all. 

Thank you again for your support, we’re now over 40,000 strong!!