We have all seen the sanitised feminine pad advertisements on TV: the dancing ladies, the tight white outfits, and the clear blue liquid that is meant to represent period blood. 

But women from every culture know the reality of menstruation – constant checking for leakage, period pain, mood swings, the uncomfortable feeling of a blood-soaked pad against your most sensitive area, and many more.

Throughout Asia, there are misinformed beliefs that are still prevalent to this day. In both the Philippines and Indonesia, it is widely believed that washing your hair during your menses is not allowed. In many cultures, drinking cold water during your period is also not recommended. A lot of these myths can be debunked by having frank and open conversations with people who are knowledgeable about these topics.

The lack of resources for menstruating women led to the founding of Free Periods Hong Kong in 2018. Co-founders Joyce Fung (MenstruAction), Xaviera Wai (M Cup M Stuff), and Zoe Chan (happeriod) got together and pooled their resources and knowledge to help break taboos and make period talks more comfortable for women.

They deliver menstrual education workshops for schools, NGOs, churches, community organisations, and many others. During their latest event held on 21st September, Free Periods HK partnered with lead sponsor, Hactl (Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited) to host Hactl x Free Periods HK – Be My Buddy Buddy: Menstrual Health Fun Day, a highly successful gathering for migrant domestic workers where they have a safe space to learn and talk about menstruation, menopause, and women’s health in general. 

One of their guest speakers, Dr. Laurena Law, a medical doctor who has worked in Hong Kong and Australia with a focus on women’s health and skin rejuvenation therapies through the menopause and midlife, gave an interactive and informative talk about perimenopause and menopause. The ladies in the audience learned a lot about the myths and truths behind these significant stages in a woman’s cycle.

There were booths where attendees could play games, try mandala art, get temporary henna tattoos, learn more about periods, drink herbal tea, and more. PathFinders, Kasambuhay Hong Kong Foundation Migrant Writers of Hong Kong and Women’s Journal were also present to share information from their booths. 

More than 200 participants enjoyed a delicious, authentic Filipino lunch, and attendees also went home with a Buddy Buddy Gift Box lovingly curated to support women’s menstrual health with sustainable period products from Good Period and LUÜNA, and English books from Rolling Books.

Each box contained a reusable menstrual pad from Momiji Natural, period pain relief oil from Hana Mirai, herbal tea from FeStyle, a reusable lunchbox and shopping bag from Hactl, and a menstrual pad storage pouch, tote bag, hot water bottle, postcard, pin, and conversation cards from Free Periods HK.

The heart of Hactl x Free Periods HK – Be My Buddy Buddy: Menstrual Health Fun Day is the relaxed, friendly, and nurturing environment that Free Periods HK has been able to provide for women of all ages and all walks of life. 

The open conversation of fertility, periods, and menopause can be an uncomfortable topic for many people, and Free Periods HK is taking a vital step towards breaking down the barriers that prevent women from asking questions without embarrassment or getting the informed answers they need.