The workshop was part of Wellbeing of Women’s "Just a Period" campaign, which aims to educate girls and young women about heavy bleeding and pain, so that they know when and how to seek medical help. 11 girls and 3 boys took part in an interactive workshop at the Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich, which talked about what a ‘normal’ period looks like and informed them about conditions such as adenomyosis, fibroids and PCOS, as well as when and how to ask for medical help.

Her Royal Highness spoke to the pupils about their experiences dealing with periods and heard about the “Just a Period” campaign launched in September 2023 by Wellbeing of Women.

As the only UK charity covering all of women’s reproductive and gynaecological health, Wellbeing of Women hear from women and girls about the struggles they experience in relation to their periods and the problems they encounter. Many struggle to manage their symptoms at home and in school or the workplace and experience long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. Many girls and women do not speak about their period problems and don’ts eek help due to fear of being shamed when they do.

The campaign is calling for an end to the shame and stigma surrounding talking about and getting help for periods. ‘Just a Period’ also seeks to drive better education and information for all by sharing the impact these problems can have on women and make sure there is good information and education available for anyone who needs it.

Commenting on the visit, Dame Lesley Regan, Chair of Wellbeing of Women said:

‘We are delighted to be able to show HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh how young people will benefit from a workshop that gives them a better understanding of menstrual periods. We need to educate and empower girls and young women about their periods so that they can take control of this important aspect of their health and wellbeing from an early age. Most girls and women can expect to have 12 periods a year for nearly 40 years of their lives, so understanding an event that occurs so regularly is crucial.

Too many women tell us that they only pluck up the courage to seek help years after first experiencing period problems. Early education will reduce unnecessary suffering for countless girls and women. I firmly believe that boys also need to learn about periods, so that young people are not embarrassed to have conversations about them with each other. Together we can end the shame, stigma and silence around menstrual health’.

Tanya Simon Hall, workshop facilitator and owner of the Adeno Gang said:

‘I created the workshops with the aim of educating young people on the importance of menstrual health. It’s imperative that women understand their bodies, how they work and when to spot warning signs that something is not right.

The workshop is designed to empower young people to make informed decisions about their menstrual health and give them the skills to advocate for themselves. We aim to breakdown the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote a positive attitude towards periods.’

Jo Young, Principal of Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich, said:

“We were delighted to host this very special event for Wellbeing of Women, a cause we are particularly pleased to champion as a girls’ academy. Students and staff were thrilled to meet HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh and to have the opportunity to talk to her about their thoughts and experiences.”

Find more information and advice in our periods information hub.