# Respect Our Rules It is under this hashtag brandished on social networks as an activist banner that the NGO Care invites to denounce the taboo of rules. “When you’re a girl, it’s natural to have your period. Much less having to quit school because of it. So that the rules are no longer an obstacle, let’s act together!” urges the association on Twitter. A message that she wants to see relayed by the greatest number on social networks. Many personalities, feminist collectives, influencers and engaged accounts on Twitter and Instagram have already joined the movement.
A woman has an average period of 2,555 days in her life, which is 7 years. However, the menstrual taboo remains a perennial problem in many countries. In Africa, for one in ten women, periods constitute an obstacle to schooling according to Unesco. They find themselves stigmatized and ostracized from society. In several regions of the world, when the rules do not inspire a feeling of shame (in 44% of French dixit Care), they are the subject of ignorance or prejudice. For example, in Southeast Asia, one in three girls ignore what menstruation is before having them, recalled Unicef in 2015. In Iran, 48% of them think that menstruation is a disease.
Break the silence around the rules
“The taboo around periods has dramatic consequences for the lives of girls and women: considered impure when they have their period, they are socially excluded or even exiled from their homes; their health is endangered; at puberty, many stop their schooling “, specifies Care in a press release.
Care is one of the NGOs which campaign to break the omerta around the rules guaranteeing the right to education of every girl. Care notably builds toilets and water points suitable for girls in schools, distributes cups or supports the manufacture of reusable sanitary napkins. The association also raises awareness around sexual and reproductive health.
VIDEO – When you’re a girl, it’s natural to have your period. Much less having to quit school because of it. So that the rules are no longer an obstacle, let’s act together! #RespectOurRules
To know more https://t.co/btrIKZXilWpic.twitter.com/cOrSnZ96eA– CARE France (@CAREfrance) January 21, 2019
To support the campaign you can relay the hashtag #RespectezNosRegles with a support photo on social networks and by identifying the accounts: Instagram: @care_franceTwitter: @CAREfrance
ALL children in the world should have the right to go to school, but in many countries girls no longer go … because of their period.
La Menstruelle takes part in the campaign @CAREfrance to end the taboo.
To unroll.#RespectOurRulespic.twitter.com/FCB4k8wV4r– La Menstruelle (@LaMenstruelle) January 21, 2019
Tomorrow, I have my period … D-1 #RespectOurRules@CAREfrancepic.twitter.com/FoKb26aHtr
– Blush Blood Shame (@RougirSangHonte) January 20, 2019
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Free hygiene protection for Scottish students
The right position to sleep well during your period
