Events

Fourth Annual Conference of the Menstruation Research Network (UK)

Menstruation: Dignity, Health, and Inequalities

Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th May 2025
University of East London

The 2025 Menstruation Research Network Conference explored the vital theme of Dignity, Health, and Inequalities, focusing on how social, cultural, and economic disparities shape menstrual experiences. This interdisciplinary event brought together voices from across sectors to share insights, discuss challenges, and generated innovative solutions for addressing poor menstrual health and equity in both the Global North and the South.

Dignity in menstruation goes beyond access to products—it’s about tackling the ways stigma and exclusion erode agency and limit opportunities. For millions worldwide, menstruation remains surrounded by misinformation and silence, affecting not only personal experiences but also broader social and economic outcomes. From underdiagnosed conditions like endometriosis and anaemia to the environmental challenges of menstrual waste and the societal restrictions that hinder full participation in both public and private life, this conference sought to unpack these interconnected issues and foster approaches that advance equity and inclusion.

Building on the success of previous years, the conference featured plenary sessions, poster presentations, workshops, and roundtable discussions designed to espouse collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue. Special sessions like creative showcases and an open forum offered dynamic spaces for innovative ideas and diverse perspectives.

The Call for Contributions is now closed.

Third Annual Conference of the Menstruation Research Network (UK)

Inclusive Menstruation: Practice, Research, Action

Wednesday 29th May 2024
Liverpool John Moores University

Menstruation Research has continued to grow since the establishment of The Menstruation Research Network UK (MRN) in 2018. We have seen shifts in policy, research, practice and understanding of the varied experiences of people who menstruate. An intersectional and inclusive approach to the study of – and advocacy for – menstruation and menstruators is more important than ever. This is particularly true at a time where many governments are making repeated attacks on the most marginalised people in society, from people seeking asylum to our trans and gender diverse siblings, and from international students – for example, through restrictive visa reforms in the UK – to our rights in workplaces. How does this environment impact people who menstruate, their access to menstrual management, and public understandings of menstruation?

Second Annual Conference of the Menstruation Research Network (UK)

Menstruation & Sustainability

Friday 26th May 2023
University of St Andrews

Keynote performance by artist Jay Critchley (Miss Tampon Liberty)

The focus of the conference was menstruation and sustainability, but presentations covered all aspects of menstruation research, policy, art and activism.

The Politics and History of Menstruation: Contextualising the Scottish campaign to End Period Poverty

September 14 2020 Launch Event (Free Zoom Webinar)

2:30 – 3.30 pm UK time. Everyone welcome.

This event focused on our major three-year long research project (2020-2022) funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and published as a Special Collection by the Open Library of Humanities.

Find out more about the Special Collection 2022