Safe Cycle Week Matters Now More Than Ever

There’s something quietly radical about naming an event “Per¡od.”

Not in a whisper. Not hidden behind euphemisms. But bold, clear, and loud.

That’s exactly what Feminitt Caribbean is doing with the launch of Safe Cycle Week.  Safe  Cycle Week is a vibrant, unapologetic celebration of menstrual equity in Trinidad and Tobago from May 24th - 29th, 2025. And honestly, it couldn’t come at a more critical time.

We live in a country where, according to both Feminitt’s own 2021 Safe Cycle report and a 2023 JSC survey, over 90% of respondents said period products are not affordable. This is more than statistics, it’s the harsh reality for thousands of people who menstruate, who still miss school, work, and life because of a natural process that should never be a barrier.

So this isn’t just about periods. It’s about dignity. It’s about access. It’s about long-overdue equity.

As someone who’s worked in advocacy, policy, and research, I know how often conversations around menstruation get lost in bureaucracy or stigma.  Safe Cycle Week is bringing that conversation to the ‘streets’, the screens, and the schools. This week brings together various sectors, emphasising the importance of a whole society approach to achieving menstrual equity.

It starts with “Per¡od” on May 24 at Big Black Box, an experience blending film, dialogue, cocktails, art, and music to challenge shame and spark pride.  It’s where partners like Helping Her Foundation, Pretty Tough Project, CAISO, and others will come together to say: this matters. We matter.

And then we take the message to the classroom. From Plymouth to Toco, the #BreaktheSigmaPassthePad school tour will give young people the language and tools they need to understand and support menstrual health.  Because change doesn’t just start with policies, it starts with what we teach, what we model, and what we say out loud. This tour is sponsored by bmobile, reminding us of the role we all play to create positive change.

On May 28, the week closes with Interwoven, a powerful event that links menstruation with climate justice. With voices like ecologist Simone Ganpat and pad maker Amy Li Baksh, it’s a reminder that sustainable periods are a part of a sustainable future. Periods are planetary.  

This work reminds me that advocacy isn’t always loud. Advocacy looks like sewing a reusable pad, asking a hard question, or just showing up. Sometimes it looks like saying “period” without shame.

Safe Cycle Week is about all of that!  

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, start here.  Come to Per¡od. Talk to young people.  Register for Interwoven.  Or just have one honest conversation about menstruation this week.

Because until every person who menstruates can do so safely, affordably, and without shame, there’s still work to be done.

Tickets for Per¡od are available on islandetickets.com for $50, or $100 at the door.

Interwoven is free but limited—register now via Feminitt Caribbean.

Questions or want to support? Email programmes@feminittcaribbean.org.