Adapted from a Kotex tampon ad, 1922. One of the things I have noticed since starting this business is the support and generosity of other women who are doing their own businesses, blogs, not for profits, websites etc. By simply reaching out, I have made some incredible contacts, such as the team at Femme International, and It Could Be Better. The women from Sustainable Cycles have even asked me to come along on their cross country awareness raising ride in the US… and I’m doing it! Women in this industry are keen to see each other succeed, and get the conversations happening no matter where and how they happen. I have the same philosophy. In my opinion, the more women using menstrual cups the better, no matter who or where they buy them from. And the more conversations people are having about menstruation, the less taboo there is, the better women feel about their bodies, and the healthier our society becomes. I love the new business model where we are supportive of each other. We work together to achieve a common goal – a sustainable way of dealing with our monthly cycle, and a safe world where we can talk about our bodies without fear, shame or retribution. This is apparent with Facebook groups popping up like Occupy Menstruation, Our Red Tent, Love Your Cycle and Blossoming Woman. One woman, Vanessa Bowen, recently contacted me and wrote a really awesome post on her blog, simply because she wants to spread the word.
I’ve also noticed since starting Sustainable Menstruation Australia that there seems to be a large disparity between the apparent taboos associated with periods in our society, and the actual perceptions. The thought of having a conversation about periods with a stranger, especially a male one, is often a lot worse than the conversation itself. I have actually been both surprised and delighted with the amount of support I have received from men about my business, and the level of interest they have shown. Many men I have spoken with have been delighted to hear about the existence of menstrual cups, and think that it would be great for the women of the world to start using them. One of my first three customers was a man, buying a cup for his wife. A lot of men are also starting to realise that when they learn about how women’s bodies and cycles work, they can decode the mysterious “woman times” and start to relate better with the women in their lives. Even if it just means encouraging their partner to buy a menstrual cup so they no longer have to go on midnight tampon runs to the supermarket.
It appears to satisfy some deep part of our subconscious to rant on about doom, gloom and the terrible state of our world and our society. However experience has shown me recently, that things aren’t actually looking too bad.
It appears to satisfy some deep part of our subconscious to rant on about doom, gloom and the terrible state of our world and our society. However experience has shown me recently, that things aren’t actually looking too bad.
A lot of men are breaking the stereotypes of being chauvinistic, just as women are breaking the stereotypes of being downtrodden and weak.
Women’s liberation is not just about standing up for ourselves, being strong, and asserting ourselves as equal. It’s also about letting go of our old perceptions that all the men of our society behave in a certain way. A lot of men are breaking the stereotypes of being chauvinistic, just as women are breaking the stereotypes of being downtrodden and weak. A collective atmosphere of support for each other, respect, and genuine empathy is going to take us a good way towards a more relaxed, enjoyable and peaceful culture. Keep it up!
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