The experience of a first period, often marked by unexpected onset and the potential for public visibility, can be a source of profound anxiety and shame, particularly for young individuals. The societal stigma surrounding menstruation often leads to judging stares, hushed comments, and an overwhelming pressure to conceal a natural bodily function. This atmosphere of shame forces individuals to navigate their periods in isolation, perpetuating the idea that menstruation is something to be hidden.

This critical issue of period shame and period poverty is powerfully addressed in the short film “PERIOD,” a poignant narrative that centers on Fay’s awkward first period encounter. When Fay discovers the absence of menstrual pads at her school and realizes a nearby deli is exploiting this lack by price gouging, she is inspired to engage in ‘good trouble’ to enact change within her school community, with the crucial help of her new friend, Min.

“PERIOD” is part of the “In Bloom Collection,” an impactful initiative spearheaded by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. This collection aims to elevate and amplify voices on critical gender-related issues through compelling and engaging storytelling. The foundation has collaborated with five female filmmakers to produce a series of short films designed to spark vital conversations around gender inequality.

The film’s themes are particularly resonant in contexts like Nigeria, where menstruation continues to be a deeply taboo subject in many cultures. This prevailing lack of open dialogue about menstrual health issues serves as a significant barrier to ensuring that girls are adequately informed and equipped to manage their periods safely, cleanly, and comfortably. In the current era, no girl should experience shame for a natural biological process over which they have no control.

The film and its underlying initiative advocate for a future where periods are openly discussed by everyone—not just girls and women, but also policymakers who possess the authority to transform period care from a mere privilege into a fundamental right. Until such comprehensive systemic changes are realized, it remains the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to actively advocate against period shame and tirelessly work towards improving access to essential menstrual hygiene products for all girls and women.