International Women’s Day 2026: Balance the Scales for All Women and Girls
Every year on International Women’s Day, people around the world come together to celebrate progress toward gender equality (and to highlight the work still left to do).
The 2026 theme from UN Women, “Balance the Scales for All Women and Girls,” calls for a more equal future where opportunities, resources, and rights are fairly distributed.
But here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: menstrual health is part of gender equality.
Periods affect billions of people every month. Yet stigma, lack of access to products, and environmental concerns still shape how many people experience their cycles.
Balancing the scales means creating a world where everyone can manage their period with comfort, dignity, and confidence.
And sometimes, progress starts with small everyday choices—like rethinking the products we use during our cycle.
Why Menstrual Health Still Matters
Menstruation is a natural biological process. In fact, it’s something experienced by around 1.8 billion people globally each month. Yet conversations about periods can still feel awkward or taboo.
At Fri Period, we believe the opposite should be true. Periods deserve open, honest discussion because awareness is the first step toward change.
Period stigma and access to products
Across the world, many people still struggle with period poverty, which is the inability to access safe and reliable menstrual products.
Even where products are available, stigma around periods can make people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing their needs.
Breaking that silence is part of balancing the scales.
The environmental impact of disposable products
Another challenge is sustainability. Traditional disposable period products create significant waste over time.
Many people are now searching for more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable menstrual products, to reduce environmental impact while still feeling protected during their cycle.
A Small Change That Makes a Big Difference: Period Underwear
One of the most exciting innovations in menstrual care over the past decade is period underwear.
Instead of relying on disposable pads or tampons, period underwear is designed to absorb menstrual flow while looking and feeling like regular underwear.
The result? A comfortable, reusable option that can help simplify your period routine.
What is period underwear?
Period underwear uses layered fabrics to absorb fluid, keep moisture away from the skin, and help prevent leaks.
For many people, the biggest benefits are:
- Comfort – soft fabrics designed for all-day wear
- Convenience – no need to constantly replace disposable products
- Sustainability – reusable and designed to reduce waste
At Fri Period, creating period underwear that’s both comfortable and environmentally conscious sits at the heart of what we do.
Why PFAS-free period underwear matters
In recent years, many people have become more aware of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals sometimes used in water-resistant materials.
That’s why more consumers are searching for period underwear without PFAS. Choosing PFAS-free products can give people extra peace of mind about what they’re wearing close to their bodies.
When it comes to menstrual care, transparency and trust matter. Everyone deserves products that feel safe, comfortable, and reliable.
Sustainability and Empowerment Go Hand in Hand
Sustainable period products do more than reduce waste: they help people feel more in control of their cycle.
Reusable products like period underwear support:
- Less environmental waste
- More comfort during your period
- A simpler, more flexible routine
At the same time, choosing reusable options aligns with a bigger movement toward sustainable and responsible living.
Small changes - multiplied across millions of people - can make a meaningful difference for the planet.
How You Can Help Balance the Scales
International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on progress and ask ourselves: How can we contribute to a more equal world?
Here are a few simple ways to start.
1. Talk openly about periods
The more we normalise conversations around menstrual health, the easier it becomes for people to get the support and resources they need.
2. Choose sustainable period products
Switching to reusable options like period underwear can help reduce waste while supporting your comfort during your cycle.
3. Support organisations working for gender equality
Groups such as UN Women work globally to advance women’s rights and opportunities.
Learning about initiatives like the International Women’s Day theme “Balance the Scales for All Women and Girls” is a powerful way to stay informed and engaged.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day reminds us that gender equality is built through both big movements and everyday actions.
Something as simple as choosing period underwear without PFAS can support sustainability, comfort, and confidence during your cycle.
And when we combine thoughtful choices with open conversations about menstrual health, we move one step closer to balancing the scales for everyone.
This International Women’s Day, let’s keep pushing the conversation forward—because everyone deserves a period experience that’s comfortable, sustainable, and stigma-free.
Ready to rethink your period routine? Explore Fri Period’s collection of comfortable, reusable period underwear without pfas and take one small step toward a more sustainable cycle.
FAQs
1. What is period underwear?
Period underwear is reusable underwear designed with absorbent layers that help manage menstrual flow while feeling like regular underwear.
2. Is period underwear reusable?
Yes. After wearing, it can be rinsed, washed, and reused multiple times (Fri Period underwear should last 2+ years with proper care!), making it a more sustainable alternative to disposable products.
3. What does PFAS-free period underwear mean?
PFAS-free period underwear is made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—chemicals sometimes used to create water-resistant fabrics.
4. Is period underwear comfortable to wear all day?
Many people find period underwear extremely comfortable because it eliminates the need for disposable products while offering reliable protection.
5. Why is menstrual health part of gender equality?
Access to safe and comfortable period products allows people to participate fully in daily life, education, and work—making menstrual health an important part of gender equality.
