Menstrual stigma is a pressing issue in East Asia. Only 1/9 of Taiwanese schools provide menstrual education and a mere 45% of female elementary school students in Taiwan can answer menstruation-related questions correctly. With Red offers an inclusive education program to empower all individuals to live freely as their true selves, unencumbered by the limitations and constraints of menstruation.
To effectively address the issue of period stigma in East Asia, we need innovative solutions to go beyond the traditional classroom. With Red's innovative course design is anchored on the peer learning and scaffolding principle. For example, placing parents and adolescents in the same group fosters a deeper bond and understanding between them. It empowers participants with the knowledge and strengthens their connection.
With Red designs 3 age-specific kits to cover a wide range of menstrual issues for different audiences. The interactive and experiential materials engage and empower adolescents and parents, fostering a deep understanding of menstruation, an appreciation for diverse menstrual products, and raising social awareness.
We work with school administrators to review school policies and help them implement a comprehensive menstrual education curriculum. We aim to create immersive, gender-inclusive environments that foster empathy, self-love, and compassion.
Our programme is now implemented in over 600 schools and organisations across 21 cities, reaching more than 500,000 students, educators, parents, and others. We have published three age-specific kits, three books, and co-produced two Taiwanese menstruation education animations (including the first in history), which have garnered 410,000 views.
This success has led to 37 policy changes in multiple municipalities, and the central government has included our materials for national adoption. They also seek our advice for the review of the national curriculum and materials.
We are currently translating materials into multiple languages and incorporating cultural contexts from East and Southeast Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia). By sharing methods with educators and establishing regional priorities, we aim to raise awareness of menstrual education and eliminate period stigma across Asia.
We continue to refine and improve our programme based on participants' feedback. We invite a diverse group of educators, teachers, and nurses who work on the frontline of implementation to collaborate with us in making the materials most suitable for use in various types of schools.
In 2024, we launched an online period education course, freely accessible to all students across Taiwan to overcome geographical barriers – ensuring every student in Taiwan can access high-quality period education, wherever they are based.
We love connecting with others with a shared mindset and purpose. Please share the current challenges and the current state of menstrual education in your country. We will guide you to identify stakeholders and possible solutions. We can work with you to produce educational materials tailored to your cultural background with a 3 year follow-up in plan.
Please reach out to: contact@withred.org
