Working at an all-boys school, I see International Women’s Day as an important opportunity to start conversations that the students might not naturally have on their own. It’s a chance to broaden their perspectives and help them understand the challenges women face.

This year, I focused on menstruation- specifically, period poverty. While students already learn about menstruation and menopause in PSHE, I wanted to explore the wider impact of these topics, particularly the barriers that many women and girls face due to a lack of access to period products. Period poverty isn’t just an issue in developing countries; it’s a serious problem here in the UK as well.

One charity doing incredible work to tackle this issue is Bloody Good Period, which provides free period products to those in need while also working to break the stigma surrounding menstruation. If you’re able to support their cause, please consider donating on their website. 

By Ms Howard- Andrews

Head of PSHE & RSE and Head of Year 9