It has been said so often it is now cliché—“menstruation is having its moment!” But what is this moment actually about? What are we talking about when we talk about menstruation? The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies invites the reader to explore menstruation from nearly every possible angle, including dimensions that you might not … Continue reading We’re proud to present… The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies
Menstrual stigma has stained society, and schools have done nothing to stop the leak
By Ilana Hamer Ilana Hamer is a rising junior in the Joint Program with Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, studying Human Rights, Sociology, and Jewish Ethics. Outside of school, Ilana enjoys debating meaningful issues with her friends, teaching students at a synagogue in New York, and volunteering with Camp Kesem, a camp for children who … Continue reading Menstrual stigma has stained society, and schools have done nothing to stop the leak
The upsides of the forbidden birth control pill for unmarried women and girls
By Tasnia Shahjahan This op-ed was first published on BrownGirl Magazine on May 28, 2020. Tasnia Shahjahan is a graduate student in the Human Rights Studies program at Columbia University. Her research explores violence against women, gender justice and legal advocacy, amongst South Asian communities. Beyond her academic career, she has worked as a domestic … Continue reading The upsides of the forbidden birth control pill for unmarried women and girls
#EmergingMenstrualVoices call for a bolder menstrual movement that’s radical, political, and holistic
Inga T. Winkler Judy Chicago, Red Flag, 1971, photo-lithograph, 20 x 24in. © Judy Chicago Bloody, bold discussions took center stage in January 2020, as a group of nineteen students and five instructors embarked on a semester-long exploration of menstruation through (almost) every possible lens. Concluding just before the world celebrates menstruation on May 28th, … Continue reading #EmergingMenstrualVoices call for a bolder menstrual movement that’s radical, political, and holistic
Bleeding While Competing
By Julia Kepczynska Julia Kepczynska is a rising senior majoring in Human Rights in the Dual BA between Columbia University and Sciences Po. A self-proclaimed athlete, she frequently enjoys playing and watching tennis, and is currently training to run the 2020 NYC Marathon in November. When the news of the 2020 Olympic Games postponement broke, thousands … Continue reading Bleeding While Competing
Reconsidering What is Essential: Pads Behind Bars
By Lauren Winters Lauren Winters is a graduate of Columbia University, with concentrations in Political Science and Human Rights. Outside of her studies, she works in civil society and volunteers for Self Offense, an anti-harassment organization. Toilet paper is not the only thing being stockpiled during this COVID-19 crisis. In the past two weeks, major retailers have … Continue reading Reconsidering What is Essential: Pads Behind Bars
Red-Colored Cushions
By Sonya Yoonah Kim Photo Credit: Pinterest Korea Sonya Yoonah Kim is a rising senior at Barnard College, Columbia University studying Human Rights, Sociology, and Psychology. As a survivor of sexual violence, she has worked with South Korea’s Sunflower Centers and has urged for enhanced consciousness of Korea’s #WithYou movement. Her passion for gender and … Continue reading Red-Colored Cushions
Getting Off Red Handed: The Taboo-busting Power of Menstrual Masturbation
By Rowena Kosher Rowena Kosher (she/her) is a student at Columbia University studying Human Rights with a Concentration in Gender & Sexuality studies. Her research engages with queer theory, sociological approaches, gender, and activism. She is also the co-editor of Columbia’s Human Rights blog, RightsViews. You can find her on Instagram @rowena_kosher. “YOU are your … Continue reading Getting Off Red Handed: The Taboo-busting Power of Menstrual Masturbation
A Call for Body Positive Menstrual Activism
By Lucie Paradis Photo Credit: Rupi Kaur and Prabh Saini Lucie Paradis is a recent graduate from Columbia University's School of General Studies, having studied Human Rights with a focus on education. She will continue to pursue her interest in educational justice as a Peace Corps volunteer this fall, serving as an English language co-teacher in … Continue reading A Call for Body Positive Menstrual Activism
Unraveling the Menstrual Concealment Myth
By Mary Olson Mary Olson is a rising senior at Columbia University, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Economics and Human Rights. In addition to researching menstruation, Mary enjoys studying economic development, following drama at the Federal Reserve, and reminding her peers that her home state of Minnesota is not “flyover country.” Despite today’s economic turbulence, there is one … Continue reading Unraveling the Menstrual Concealment Myth
Menstrual Health & Gender Justice 