National No Apologies Period Day is an annual observance dedicated to dismantling period stigma and encouraging open conversations about menstruation. This day celebrates menstruation as a natural bodily function and aims to eliminate the shame and guilt often associated with periods.
Quick Facts
When is it?: June 9th annually
Tagged as: Health & Wellness Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag?: #NoApologiesPeriodDay
When was it founded?: June 2021
Who founded it?: Midol (period pain relief medicine company)
History
The day was established to challenge societal norms that have historically made people feel the need to apologize for or hide their periods. It emerged during a time of increasing body positivity and menstrual awareness movements, aiming to normalize period conversations.
Timeline
- Ancient times: Egyptians created papyrus tampons
- 1800s: Term “periods” enters common usage
- 1918: First modern sanitary napkins developed
- 1931: Modern tampon invented
- 2021: First National No Apologies Period Day
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 9 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 9 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 9 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | June 9 | Friday |
| 2029 | June 9 | Saturday |
How It’s Observed
- Sharing period stories and experiences
- Educational workshops about menstrual health
- Advocacy against period poverty
- Social media awareness campaigns
- Supporting menstrual product accessibility initiatives
Fun Facts About Periods
- The average person spends about 10 years of their life menstruating
- Period products were first mass-produced after WWI
- Menstrual cups were first patented in the 1930s
- Period stigma exists in almost every culture worldwide
Quiz
- When is National No Apologies Period Day celebrated?
- Who established this awareness day?
- What year was it founded?
(Answers: 1. June 9th, 2. Midol, 3. 2021)
FAQs
Q: Why was this day created?
A: To combat period stigma and normalize menstruation discussions
Q: Who can participate?
A: Everyone can participate in raising awareness and supporting the cause
Importance of the Day
This day plays a crucial role in breaking down period taboos, promoting health education, and advocating for menstrual equity. It encourages open dialogue and supports those who menstruate in embracing their natural bodily functions without shame.
Related
- Menstrual Hygiene Day
- Women’s Health Week
- World Period Poverty Day
- International Day of the Girl Child