Young men are not only acknowledging period stigma but are eager to help end it.
Image: Vanessa Ramirez/pexels
There’s a quiet revolution brewing, and it’s happening in a space many might not expect - men are stepping into the conversation about menstruation.
Yes, you read that right. A groundbreaking survey by Kotex has revealed a surprising shift: Young men are not only acknowledging period stigma but are eager to help end it.
For decades, menstruation has been wrapped in silence, shame, and secrecy, treated as a “women’s issue” that men conveniently sidestepped. But times are changing.
And this change isn’t just about breaking taboos, it’s about building a culture of empathy, understanding, and shared responsibility.
Menstruation: not just a “women’s issue”
For the first time, this year's Kotex P-Word Survey included male respondents. Why? Because menstrual health affects everyone, directly or indirectly.
“Breaking taboos requires a collective effort,” Kutlwano Tshetlhane, head of marketing at Kotex, explained in a chat with "Independent Media Lifestyle".
"If we’re serious about ending stigma, men have to be part of the conversation. Including young men in the survey helped us uncover their perceptions, knowledge gaps, and willingness to support.”
The survey results are eye-opening. Surprisingly, 89% of young men expressed a desire for more education on menstruation, and 77% said they believed they should be more involved in supporting women during their cycles. This is more than just a statistic, it’s a cultural shift.
"When men actively engage in understanding menstruation, it reframes the narrative. It’s no longer a one-sided struggle but a shared responsibility, paving the way for inclusive, stigma-free support."
For decades, menstruation has been wrapped in silence, shame, and secrecy, treated as a “women’s issue” that men conveniently sidestepped.
Image: Anna Shvets/pexels
Why the stigma lingers
Despite progress in menstrual education and awareness, 85% of young men still believe that period stigma is a real problem. Why does it persist?
Tshetlhane points out that cultural beliefs, shame, and secrecy remain deeply rooted in many communities.
“Education has improved, but it often focuses on biology, not the lived experience. Until conversations about menstruation are normalised at home, in schools, and across society, stigma will continue to thrive.”
This highlights a critical issue: education isn’t reaching everyone. Boys are often left out of the conversation, making the topic feel awkward or alien to them.
But as Tshetlhane noted, “When young men ask for better education, they’re showing curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn. That’s a window of opportunity we can’t afford to miss.
”Rethinking education, two-thirds of male respondents in the survey believe that schools are the best place to learn about menstruation. But how can schools create an inclusive environment that doesn’t make boys feel uncomfortable?"
The answer, according to Tshetlhane, lies in normalisation.
“Menstruation shouldn’t be a separate or secret topic. It should be taught with the same openness and importance as any other health issue. Using inclusive language, relatable examples, and well-informed educators makes a big difference.
"When boys see trusted male figures, like teachers or coaches, engaging in the conversation, the awkwardness fades, and empathy grows.”
This isn’t just about teaching facts, it’s about shifting mindsets. Inclusive menstrual education helps raise a generation that sees periods as a natural part of life, not something to be ashamed of.
The survey results are eye-opening. Surprisingly 89 percent of young men expressed a desire for more education on menstruation.
Image: RDNE Stock project/pexels
What does support look like?
The survey revealed that 77% of young men want to be more involved in supporting women during their cycles. But what does meaningful support look like in everyday life?
At home, small actions make a big difference, checking in, offering help, or simply creating a space where periods aren’t a source of discomfort.
At school, it could mean advocating for better access to menstrual products or helping end teasing and shame.
In public spaces, it’s about challenging stigma, respecting the needs of menstruators, and ensuring access to essential products.
“Speak about periods without embarrassment. Show care, not discomfort. Avoid jokes or language that reinforce shame. Offer to pick up products if needed. And if you hear someone spreading myths or making a cruel comment, call it out. Small moments of support add up to a larger cultural shift.”
Breaking the silence
One of the most important steps in ending period stigma is breaking the “gendered silence”. Fathers, brothers, teachers, and partners have a huge role to play in normalising conversations about menstruation.
“When men talk about menstruation with the same ease as any other health topic, it signals that periods aren’t something to hide,” said Tshetlhane.
Fathers can have open conversations with their daughters, teachers can use inclusive language, and partners can create judgment-free spaces.
This ripple effect goes beyond the home. Breaking the silence can lead to better access to menstrual products, more inclusive policies at schools and workplaces, and greater gender equality.
A shared responsibility
At its core, ending period stigma is about dignity, empathy, and shared responsibility. The fact that so many young men are eager to learn and support is a sign of hope.
Because when we normalise the conversation, we make room for equality, compassion, and lasting change. South Africa, the time to talk is now. Let’s end the stigma, together.