Climate Crisis Exposing Menstrual Health Gaps

The intersection of the climate crisis and menstrual health is emerging as a significant concern, particularly in the context of natural disasters. Advocates in Fiji are emphasizing that menstruation is a biological reality that continues unabated during cyclones, droughts, and recovery periods, making it a crucial aspect of disaster preparedness and response.

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Menstruation must be part of disaster planning. She says biology does not pause for cyclone warnings. She says menstruation continues during droughts and recovery periods.

The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement’s annual Let’s Talk Periods Festival highlighted this theme, with approximately 200 participants discussing "Period Justice in a Climate Crisis." Bidisha Pillai, UNFPA Pacific Island Countries Director, stressed that menstruation must be a standard component of disaster planning, as "biology does not pause for cyclone warnings."

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Menstrual health must be included in planning and response. She says lived experiences reveal barriers that data often misses, and these include stigma, discrimination and lack of services.

These challenges disproportionately affect women and girls across the Pacific region. Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, stated that lived experiences reveal barriers often missed by data, including stigma, discrimination, and a severe lack of services. She underscored the necessity of including affected groups, such as women, girls, and individuals who menstruate or experience menopause, in planning processes.

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The climate crisis was affecting reproductive health. She says menstrual care is often underfunded in disaster response.

Dr. Sophaganine Ty Wilson from International Planned Parenthood Fiji noted that menstrual care is frequently underfunded in disaster response efforts. This leaves many women managing their periods under difficult conditions with limited access to water and essential services. Sigalima Bola of the Young Feminist Network added that menstrual needs are often overlooked in emergencies, with evacuation centers not always adequately prepared. Dr. Eunji Kim from UNFPA emphasized that integrating menstrual health from the outset of planning is vital for protecting dignity, health, and well-being during crises.

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Menstrual needs are often overlooked in emergencies. She says evacuation centers are not always prepared for women, children and persons with disabilities.