Changing the Narrative: The New "Bro Code"

“At least you people have helped us understand that we must move from the primitive to the modern. That’s good enough.”

These were the words of one man my team member spoke with at the sensitization outreach held on Friday, May 26th, commemorating World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The organization I’m privileged to lead, GYSAPEO, marks this day annually by distributing thousands of sanitary pads in secondary schools, markets, and rural communities. However, during our evaluation, we discovered this was a classic case of "giving fish instead of teaching how to fish." This birthed a whole different approach that we took this year.

Growing up in a house full of girls, working with many female colleagues, and making many more friends, my memory bank about menstruation was filled with shyness, shame, and reluctance. Menstruation was often regarded as a taboo topic, something that was whispered about, hidden away in secrecy. I had witnessed the discomfort many females around me experienced every month, and yet, it was something we rarely discussed openly. It was a subject that evoked embarrassment and awkwardness.

But as I grew older and became more aware of the challenges faced by women during their menstrual periods, I realized that silence and ignorance only perpetuated the stigma surrounding this natural bodily process. Menstruation is not a matter to be hushed or ridiculed; it is a normal part of a woman's life—a reality that must be acknowledged and embraced by both women and men.

With this realization in mind, our organization set out to change the narrative. Instead of providing sanitary pads, which was equally important, we decided to focus on educating and sensitizing men about the importance of support and love for women during their menstruation periods. We recognized that men played a crucial role in creating a safe and understanding environment for women, free from judgment and discomfort.

The outreach event, which was tagged “Bro Code: Men Supporting Menstrual Hygiene,” was a collaborative effort involving the GYSAPEO team, healthcare professionals, and volunteers who shared their knowledge and experiences. The discussions revolved around breaking the barriers of stigma and creating a supportive atmosphere where women could openly discuss their needs and concerns. Men were encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in the conversation, which, impressively, they did.

One of the pivotal moments of the outreach was when an elderly man expressed his initial skepticism. He aligned with us in a lot of ways but was quick to point out some fundamental barriers to breaking the stigma, which had to do with certain traditional and religious beliefs. However, as they listened to us reiterate the stories and experiences of women, which may be difficult to understand because most times, menstrual pain and discomfort cannot be explained by mere words, their perspectives began to shift.

As the healthcare professionals among us explained further, the men present understood how they might have unknowingly contributed to the stress that women face. It was in that moment of self-reflection and empathy that the seeds of change were sown. Men started to understand that menstruation was not an isolated matter but one that affected their mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters. They realized that offering support and understanding was not only essential but also an act of love and compassion.

By the end of the outreach, the community was filled with a renewed sense of commitment and solidarity. Men pledged to do better at supporting their women, both at home and in their communities, with menstrual products and providing a safe space for them. They promised to challenge societal norms by perpetuating menstrual stigma and fostering an environment where women could embrace their menstruation with dignity and pride.

As we packed up our belongings and bid farewell to the participants, a sense of hope enveloped me. The change we had witnessed, albeit small, was significant. We had taken a step towards dismantling the stigma surrounding menstruation.

This is the new bro code!