The United Nations’ official theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “More Powerful Together”: a call to stand in unison for gender equality.

“It takes all of us, working in collaboration and across that which sometimes divides us, breaking down stereotypes and gendered roles to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities,” the UN says.

“Close the gender pay gap, close the leadership gap and to ensure women have equal opportunities to lean and learn. We also want to create safer communities so women can live life free from violence and oppression.”

Moreover, a group of United Nations rights experts has called for global action to break the taboo around menstrual health.

“It is unacceptable that women and girls are exposed to harmful gender stereotypes or taboos regarding natural and biological functions such as menstruation, resulting in ostracism of and discrimination against women and girls”, the experts conclude.

This, together with the creation of the African Coalition for MHM, lead by UNFPA among other organisations, shows that menstrual health is finally getting to the top of priorities when it comes to women’s health, gender equality and human rights.

At Ruby Cup, we believe that the right to manage one’s periods safely and with dignity is intrinsically linked to gender equality. Biology must not hold us back and no one should feel ashamed, afraid or suffer discrimination because their bodies are doing what they are meant to do.

We can only reach our goal of achieving menstrual justice by working with others, asking for help and offering support. Our partners (read about them here) and the Ruby Cup community are essential to our work. It is thanks to them that Ruby Cup travels far and wide to offer people with periods a safe, healthy and sustainable menstrual health solution.

We are always more powerful together.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”
-Anonymous