On the occasion of May 28 - World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Gabrovo Youth Center organized meetings with young girls from the town of Gabrovo and the village of Gradnitsa. The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of young girls about biological processes. During the discussion, the focus was on topics of forming the skill of asserting boundaries in partner relationships, as well as learning attitudes for regular medical check-ups.
The menstrual cycle as a process of physiology is a taboo topic in many communities and nations. Despite being a natural part of women's lives, it is often surrounded by myths and a great deal of misunderstanding. Topics related to menstruation, such as menstrual products, menstrual pain and hormonal changes, can be difficult to discuss due to feelings of embarrassment or discomfort. This taboo can contribute to the stigmatization of women and girls who experience menstruation thereby adversely affecting their mental health and well-being.
On 28 May there were consecutive meetings with girls from the "Mother and Baby" unit, "Family type accommodation center for children without disabilities" and "Dr. Nikola Vasiliadi" Professional Technical High School. In the following week, the psychologist and the youth workers of the Youth Center visited the Professional School of Transport and Mechanical Engineering - Gradnitsa.
Topics that were raised concerned menstrual hygiene, what happens at the gynaecologist and good sexual health. The meetings continued with discussions on women's issues.
For this campaign were created thematic stickers with the motto: "Love yourself at all times!", "Know your body!", flyers explaining the menstrual cycle, were distributed packages with hygiene supplies, provided by the companies Calma and Bebo and the book Love Errors, which was provided by the Bulgarian Fund for Women.
Overcoming taboo topics is important because it can lead to better understanding, better communication and greater tolerance in society. One way to overcome them is through open discussion. This can be done through education, media campaigns, public discussions and other forms of communication.
