Breaking The Period Stigma: Hannah Miley And The #SayPeriod Campaign

Introduction To The #SayPeriod Campaign

Periods have long been shrouded in euphemisms and stigma, especially within the sporting world. Former Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley is at the forefront of a powerful movement aiming to change this narrative. The #SayPeriod campaign, supported by 50 elite female athletes including Commonwealth and European medalists, seeks to normalise the language surrounding menstruation and empower women and girls to speak openly about their bodies.

The Problem With Euphemisms And Stigma

Language shapes perception, and when it comes to periods, euphemisms like "Aunt Flow" or "girls' stuff" only perpetuate shame and misunderstanding. Miley explains that during her early career, her periods were treated as a problem to be fixed rather than a natural bodily function. This stigma often leads to misinformation, lack of support, and feelings of isolation among female athletes.

For example, Miley recalls how heavy and painful periods affected her swimming performance, leading to anaemia and lethargy. Despite this, the common advice was to suppress her period using contraceptive pills to avoid competing while menstruating. This approach masked the natural process instead of addressing the root issues or providing proper support.

The Importance Of Calling It What It Is

The core message of the campaign is simple yet impactful: use the word "period" openly. Miley argues that this small linguistic shift can dismantle decades of discomfort and silence. By pledging to #SayPeriod, individuals contribute to a culture where menstruation is no longer taboo.

Schools and educators play a vital role in this transformation. Miley highlights the need for comprehensive, inclusive education that normalises periods from a young age, allowing girls to feel comfortable and informed. This education also benefits boys, fostering understanding and empathy.

Empowering The Next Generation

Changing the conversation around periods is an investment in future generations. When young people grow up with accurate knowledge and open dialogue, stigma fades. Miley emphasises that these young voices will influence peers and subsequent generations, creating a ripple effect of awareness and acceptance.

Men’s Role In Normalising Periods

Another critical aspect of the #SayPeriod campaign is involving men in the conversation. Miley points out that many men feel awkward or uninformed because of how menstruation was handled during their education or upbringing. This lack of understanding can lead to uncomfortable situations or insensitive behaviour.

By educating men and encouraging open discussions, relationships between partners, coaches, and colleagues become more supportive. Miley shares how her own relationship with her father improved as they began discussing her periods openly, breaking down barriers and fostering empathy.

The Wider Impact On Sport And Society

Normalising period talk has far-reaching implications beyond individual comfort. For elite athletes, recognising and accommodating menstrual health can enhance performance and wellbeing. The campaign calls for better research and resources tailored to female athletes’ needs, moving away from the outdated notion that periods are a problem to be hidden or fixed.

This approach aligns with broader efforts in sports to address inclusivity and athlete welfare. For more insights into current sports developments, readers can explore Sky Sports' historic WSL broadcast deal, which also marks progress in women’s sport visibility.

How To Support The #SayPeriod Movement

Supporting the campaign is straightforward. Individuals can pledge to use accurate language, challenge euphemisms, and encourage open conversations. Schools, sports organisations, and workplaces can integrate period education and foster environments where menstruation is discussed without shame.

Campaign founder Baz Moffat stresses the power of collective action: with over 5,000 euphemisms for periods, breaking the cycle of silence requires everyone’s participation. As Miley notes, changing language is a small step that leads to significant cultural progress.

Additional Resources And Actions

• Sign the #SayPeriod pledge to commit to honest language.
• Encourage schools to provide comprehensive menstrual education.
• Support research into female athlete health and menstrual wellbeing.
• Engage men in conversations to build empathy and understanding.

Conclusion: Towards A More Open Future

The #SayPeriod campaign led by Hannah Miley and fellow athletes is a vital stride towards dismantling outdated taboos around menstruation. By promoting clear, respectful language and education, the campaign fosters a culture where women and girls can thrive without stigma.

Just as the sporting world evolves to embrace diversity and inclusion, so must our conversations about natural bodily processes. Breaking down period stigma benefits not only athletes but society as a whole. To learn about other important sports stories shaping the landscape, visit our coverage on elite boxing challenges and more.