Make mixed-sex menstrual health education mandatory in all schools in England

This September, the RHSE curriculum in England will be expanded to include compulsory education on menstrual and gynaecological health to include conditions such as Endometriosis and Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

While this is a very welcome and long overdue change, curriculums vary significantly from school to school across England, and it is also at the discretion of each school to decide whether they will teach children these crucial lessons separately based on their sex. Crucially, these lessons must also include clear signposting to appropriate support and healthcare services. Meaning that young people who recognise symptoms of conditions, such as endometriosis or PMOS in themselves, or those around them, can access information, advice and clinical support as early as possible.

Recent research by University College London posits that mixed lessons help reduce stigma, stating their importance in breaking taboos and helping students to understand how to support their friends or future partners.

We call on the UK government to make mixed lessons mandatory for menstrual health education in schools in England. Shame is taught from an early age, and separating sexes is an outdated practice that allows this shame to thrive. If we want future doctors, teachers, employers and policymakers to take women's health seriously, they must be part of this conversation from the outset.