PREVIEW: Menstruation Health Week 2025

Emily Thabes
6 days ago
3 min read

Welcome to a groundbreaking week of conversation, education, and community action! We're excited to invite you to Menstruation Health Week, which will take place May 26-31, 2025, right here in Bemidji.

For too long, periods have been whispered about, hidden away, and treated as shameful secrets. But half the world's population menstruates – it's time we talked about it openly, honestly, and with dignity.

Why Does This Matter?

In our community, 16% of Beltrami County residents live below the poverty line. In Bemidji, that number exceeds 20%. Period poverty—the lack of access to menstrual products due to financial hardship—affects thousands of our neighbors. When people can't afford pads or tampons, they miss work, school, and other opportunities. This isn't just a "women's issue"—it's a community issue that affects all of us.

What to Expect

Over six days, we'll explore menstruation through multiple lenses:

Historical and Cultural: How have different societies understood and celebrated periods throughout time?
Medical and Scientific: What have we learned about menstrual health, and where are the gaps in research and care?
Global and Local: How does period poverty affect our neighbors, and what can we do about it?
Personal and Political: How do we create a world where everyone can menstruate with dignity?

Our Signature Events

"Women's History, Period." Exhibit (May 26-31): The Beltrami County History Center will exhibit interactive displays, historical artifacts, and contemporary art that explore the evolution of menstruation.

Three Powerful Author Talks

Lily Williams ("Go With the Flow") - Making periods accessible for young people
Abigail Norman ("Ask Me About My Uterus") - Advocating for better medical care
Anita Diamant ("Period. End of Sentence") - Global perspectives on menstrual equity

Community Action Events Join us for period product collection drives, repacking events, and our Period Dignity Pledge campaign, which is already gaining momentum throughout our city.

Starting Tomorrow: A Journey Through Time

This coming week, we'll publish a five-part blog series titled "Women's History, Period", exploring how menstruation has been understood, celebrated, and stigmatized throughout human history. From ancient reverence to modern activism, these posts will provide context for our conversations during Menstruation Health Week.

How You Can Get Involved Right Now

Donate period products at the Beltrami County History Center, Bemidji Public Library, Headwaters Music & Arts, BSU Student Union, or Sanford Medical Center
Sign our Period Dignity Pledge to provide free products in your workplace or organization
Register for author talks and events at beltramihistory.org/period
Follow our social media for daily updates and period facts
Share this post with friends, family, and colleagues

A Special Thanks

This week wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors: Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund, MN Legacy Fund, Kraus Anderson, Period Kits MN, Happy Periods, and more. Thanks also to the Friends of the Carnegie Library for their generous book donation. See all our sponsors at beltramihistory.org/period.

Let's Change the Conversation

For too long, periods have been a source of shame, silence, and struggle. Menstruation Health Week is our opportunity to change that narrative – together. When we talk openly about periods, when we provide products to those in need, when we demand better medical care, and when we celebrate the diverse experiences of all who menstruate, we create a more equitable, dignified world for everyone.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare for six transformative days. Period.

Ready to join the movement? Visit beltramihistory.org/period to donate products, sign the Period Dignity Pledge, or register for events. Please share this post using #MenstruationHealthWeek and #BemidjiSharkWeek to help us reach even more community members. Together, we're rewriting the story of periods—one conversation at a time.