Webinar highlights communication strategies to support students' menstrual health

On 14 September 2024, UTAR Centre for Modern Languages and Literature (CMLL) in collaboration with the Endometriosis Association of Malaysia (MyEndosis) hosted a webinar titled “The Language of Support: Using Communication Strategies for Educators in Supporting Students’ Menstrual Health Awareness”.

Held virtually via Microsoft Teams, the event brought together two prominent speakers, Ms Kiran Kaur Sarwan Singh, UTAR Lecturer and Secretary of MyEndosis, and Ms Jen Cheong, Executive Director of the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) to educate and empower educators on how to communicate effectively about menstrual health with students, fostering an environment of understanding and support in educational institutions.

The speakers explored both physical and mental health challenges associated with menstruation, aiming to dismantle the stigma and cultural taboos surrounding this topic.

Ms Kiran Kaur

Ms Kiran Kaur, an advocate for menstrual health awareness, focused on how educators could provide meaningful support to female students who experience menstrual discomfort. Her presentation, titled “Understanding the Support Mechanisms for Female Students”, emphasised the need for emotional, informational, and tangible support within educational environments. She discussed strategies for breaking down communication barriers and creating an inclusive atmosphere where menstruation is not a taboo subject. Ms Kiran Kaur highlighted that educators can foster empathy by offering listening spaces and by encouraging both male and female students to engage in dialogues about menstrual health.

Ms Kiran Kaur also outlined practical methods for educators to assist students, from advising on the management of menstrual pain to referring students to support groups like MyEndosis. “We need to normalise the conversation around menstruation,” she stated, adding that educators should encourage students to discuss their experiences without fear of judgment.

Ms Jen Cheong

Executive Director of MMHA Ms Jen Cheong’s presentation was titled “Menstrual Cycle and Mental Health”. She examined the connection between the menstrual cycle and mental well-being, discussing conditions like Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which can exacerbate mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Ms Cheong stressed that trivialising menstruation-related issues can undermine women’s emotional struggles, leading to a lack of support in both personal and academic settings. She urged educators to validate these experiences and provide mental health resources to students who may be struggling.

The webinar explored communication techniques that can help educators offer both emotional and practical support. Ms Kaur introduced the concept of “Language of Support”, a framework for educators to guide conversations about menstruation with empathy and openness. She highlighted the importance of understanding the different forms of support needed, such as emotional support, which involves listening and empathy, and informational support, which includes providing advice on managing menstrual pain.

Ms Jen Cheong’s session focused on the mental health aspects, explaining how fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle can lead to mood swings, irritability, and other psychological symptoms. She discussed how understanding these hormonal phases can help educators better support their students’ mental health during these times.

Group photo after the event

The feedback form from attendees reflected the success of the event. Many participants appreciated the focus on a topic that is often considered taboo, particularly in academic environments. Male participants were also praised for engaging with the subject matter, helping to break down gender-specific barriers associated with menstruation. The interactive nature of the webinar allowed participants to ask questions and discuss real-life challenges faced by educators when dealing with menstrual health issues on campus.

The event aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. By promoting menstrual health awareness, the webinar addressed critical health and gender equality issues, advocating for better support systems and access to resources for menstruating students.

The webinar concluded with a call to action for educators to play an active role in supporting students’ menstrual health, reducing stigma, and promoting open dialogue. Both speakers highlighted the need for continued education and awareness in this area, urging participants to carry forward the lessons learned to their respective institutions. Future webinars on similar topics are being considered due to the positive feedback and high level of engagement from the participants.

Poster of the webinar