University of Queensland researchers have collaborated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students to introduce a menstrual health teaching guide called ‘Mind Your Body’. The initiative, spearheaded by Minnie King, an Adjunct Lecturer in UQ’s School of Public Health, aims to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities regarding menstrual health awareness and access to period products.
Ms. King highlighted the necessity for culturally targeted education on menstrual health, despite the availability of free products through federal government funding in rural and remote Indigenous areas. The research team engaged with Indigenous students in Western Cape York to identify gaps in knowledge and tailor the guide to their needs, ensuring it includes interactive resources like quizzes, puzzles, and classroom activities.
Associate Professor Nina Lansbury emphasized the impact of menstrual health on academic performance and overall well-being, stressing the importance of open conversations to eliminate stigma and promote understanding. Dr. Lansbury noted that fostering a ‘period positive’ environment in classrooms can enhance students’ learning experiences and contribute to their holistic development.
Since the project’s inception in 2016, there has been a noticeable shift in attitudes toward discussing menstrual health, according to Ms. King. Contrary to the taboo often associated with menstruation in some cultures, the team’s work with schools in Queensland’s Western Cape revealed a positive reception to open and factual conversations among students.
The teaching guide, ‘Mind Your Body’, not only offers educational support for teachers, students, and parents but also serves as a resource to encourage dialogue and education around menstrual health. By normalizing discussions on this natural bodily function and advocating for access to period products as a basic human right, the project aims to create safe spaces for learning and awareness.
The initiative’s success in promoting menstrual health awareness underscores the significance of tailored education and open dialogue in addressing health disparities and social stigmas. By engaging with Indigenous communities and involving students in the development of educational resources, the project exemplifies a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach to public health initiatives.
‘Mind Your Body’ is available for download on the project’s webpage, offering a valuable tool for educators and communities to enhance understanding and promote menstrual health awareness among young individuals. The project represents a step forward in empowering Indigenous communities to address health challenges and advocate for holistic well-being through education and dialogue.
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