Safe Cycle Week: Commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025
Feminitt Caribbean is excited to announce the launch of “Safe Cycle Week” held in Trinidad and Tobago from May 24-29, 2025, to join the global commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, annually recognised on May 28. “Safe Cycle Week” by Feminitt is a string of events under its flagship programme, Safe Cycle established in 2020. Women and girls in the Caribbean, like millions around the world, continue to experience harsh economic, social, and medical implications of menstruation and stigma associated with it. In 2021 Feminitt’s Safe Cycle report stated that 51.5 per cent of respondents found period products were not affordable, 39.9 per cent found them sort of affordable, and only 8.6 per cent agreed that they were affordable. Additionally, a Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Human Rights, Equality, and Diversity survey conducted on 1,930 members of the public in 2023 found that 93.4 percent of respondents did not believe that period products were affordable.
“One of our goals at Feminitt Caribbean is to encourage everyone to speak about menstruation freely. From our research, we know that myths and stigma against menstruation serve as barriers to people in need seeking support when needed. By boldly naming our launch event, Period, we hope to inspire attendees to see the power in naming and owning this natural process.”
Education has been a pillar in our advocacy around menstrual equity as it plays a vital role in including men and boys in the conversation. Feminitt continues to prioritise the needs of youth by providing in-school workshops such as the upcoming #BreaktheSigmaPassthePad school tour.
“Our workshops create safe spaces that empower youth with knowledge and skills to guide their attitudes, practices and health-seeking behaviors. We envision a future where young people no longer struggle for menstrual equity; but live in a reality where menstruation is not a barrier to opportunities.”
Here’s what to expect for Safe Cycle Week 2025:
May 24, 2025: “Per¡od” - 6:00 PM at the Big Black Box, Murray Street, Woodbrook.
This event hosted by Feminitt Caribbean features a complimentary cocktail hour, followed by a film screening, a panel discussion with local partners, and an after party featuring live performances by Killabee and Jivanna and music curated by young local deejays. Tickets for Per¡od are available on island-e-tickets for $50TTD and $100 at the door.
Support “Per¡od” on May 24, and engage with local partners including Helping Her Foundation, Menstrual Equity Project, Pretty Tough Project, LSA Healthcare Services Ltd (Share Dignity Foundation ), CAISO: Sex and Gender Justice, and Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association.
May 26 and 29, 2025: Feminitt’s Safe Cycle team journeys to schools from Plymouth to Toco! Sponsored by bmobile, the #BreaktheSigmaPassthePad school tour will expose students and teachers to conversations and activities about menstrual health, the importance of accessibility to menstrual health education and products, and tools to support efforts geared towards achieving menstrual equity in Trinidad and Tobago.
May 28, 2025: “Interwoven”- 6:00 PM at ARC Co-Create, Sapodilla Street &, St.Vincent St, Tunapuna.
Join Feminitt for the final event of “Safe Cycle Week” alongside Simone Ganpat, Ecologist and Climate Researcher, for a conversation on the intersections of climate and menstruation, followed by a reusable pad making workshop by Amy Li Baksh of Lily Pads. This event is free but spots are limited. Register via Feminitt Caribbean.
For more information on how to support Feminitt Caribbean and its Safe Cycle programme, contact the organization via email at Programmes@feminittcaribbean.org.