Supporting Periods Worldwide. Even in Antarctica.
Preface:
Menstruation is a fundamental cornerstone of womanhood; we, in mainstream society, have quite seamlessly incorporated the process into our daily lives. But what about outside of the mainstream?
For today’s blog, I delved into exciting developments published on The Conversation platform, authored by Meredith Nash, Professor and Associate Dean of at the Australian National University.
Major Themes: Sexism and Inherent Gender Biases in Male-Dominated Environments. Yes, even in Antarctica.
Women constitute 25% of the Australian Antarctic Program taskforce; yet, the fundamental challenges they face in managing menstruatio, further exacerbated by the hostility of the environment, are starkly overlooked.
The construction of diverse workforces in extreme environments is fostered by overcoming barriers in access that have been utilized as reasons to exclude women from embarking on groundbreaking journeys, whether it be in space or in the barren lands of Antarctica.
No Bathrooms in Sight:
Menstruating in Antarctica is, without a doubt, difficult. Toilets are methodically-placed in vast intervals to account for environmental protection laws. All feces and product waste must be packaged and carried for long stretches of time, leading to inherent disposal challenges.
Avoiding Toxic Shock Syndrome:
Under the heavy layers of clothing all expeditioners are adorned with, women must find some way to manage their periods in small, communal spaces, which lack proper resources, sanitation, and support. These processes are made increasingly difficult and cumbersome in male-dominated teams, wherein menstrual management remains taboo and is repeatedly undermined. According to the article, menstrual cups are the products of choice, as they have the highest utility over a large time span. They must be, however, taken out regularly so as to prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
According to the participants, menstrual suppression medications would often be employed, preventing both pregnancy and period possibilities.
Having my period [in Antarctica] was a nightmare. Somebody told me that they had an [Depo Provera] injection before they went […] and I thought, “Well, that wouldn’t be a bad idea, to not have a period for that particular time” […] but I had my period the whole time I was in the field.
-Interviewee from The Conversation
Food for Thought - Making Improvements to Fieldwork Conditions for Menstruators:
Destigmatize menstruation
Improve toileting & menstruation conditions (sanitation, medication, and support)
Menstrual health education to ALL genders
Regular toilet stops
Period support integrated into cumbersome field gear
Source:
https://theconversation.com/people-stationed-in-antarctica-menstruate-too-and-its-a-struggle-heres-how-we-can-support-them-187617
Proof-of-concept of heavy gear worn by expeditioners in Antarctica.
