Ep34| Menstruation Matters| With Candice Chirwa

SakinaSpeaks Podcast

On this episode I speak to the Minister of Menstruation, Candice Chirwa. A young menstrual activist at the forefront of educating others on the beautiful biological process experienced by women of all ages every month, debunking myths and misconceptions, stigma and taboos surrounding periods and ultimately eradicating period poverty for all.

Step into a world where the silence is broken and the stigma is shattered. In this empowering episode of SakinaSpeaks, where we unravel the cultural veils and societal shackles that have long confined the natural phenomenon of menstruation to whispers and shadows.

She is the powerhouse that founded "Qrate", an NGO which curates content that speaks about and creates awareness for social issues such as these, and is also a celebrated author with two must-read titles under her name, most notably, "Flow" - the book about menstruation. She is an unstoppable, multifaceted woman and that is on period!

From her personal experiences to her masters dissertation, Candice advocates for the recognition of menstrual health as a fundamental human right, highlighting the socioeconomic ripple effects of neglecting menstruators' needs. We tackle the language surrounding periods, the role of men in fostering a period-positive environment, and the pressing need for holistic solutions to period poverty.

This episode is a clarion call to embrace, educate, and empower. It's time to normalize the conversation, dismantle the taboos, and ensure that no one feels like they're on the brink of death when their period arrives. So join us as we stand with Candice in the fight for menstrual equity and the quest to turn the tide on period stigma.

(03:32) Tell us about your very first menstrual experience.

(08:04) Minister of Menstruation started being a menstrual activist at age 21.

(14:40) I feel like I make people very uncomfortable when I have my periods.

(21:13) Qrate was formed to help people understand and learn about periods.

(30:25) How do we bring men into the conversation about menstruation?

(38:09) When it comes to the discourse of menstruation, what should we address?

(38:38) Using euphemisms for menstruation removes seriousness from our periods, says Candace.

(42:17) Your master's dissertation focuses on menstrual health and rights under International law...

(44:02) What responsibilities do states have to redress difficulties of menstruators around the globe?

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