“Menstrual health remains a taboo subject, and very little has been done to address it.”- Justine Okolodkoff, Règles élémentaires

Justine Okolodkoff is Deputy director at Règles élémentaires, the first French association dedicated to combating menstrual insecurity and the taboo surrounding periods.

What does the change you are trying to achieve look like? Why is the EU important?

Our aim is to eliminate period poverty across the EU—and ultimately, globally—while promoting menstrual health as a fundamental component of public and women's health, rather than treating it as a marginal issue.

Period poverty and menstrual health are not limited to financial hardship alone. In the EU, an estimated 50 million people have been affected by period poverty according to a recent survey by OpinionWay for Règles Élémentaires. This has significant consequences, limiting access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Addressing this issue aligns with core EU values. While there are existing EU competences related to health and the internal market—such as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which currently governs menstrual products—there is still no specific framework for menstrual health. What’s more, nothing has been done to regulate the components of menstrual products or assess their real impact on health.

Encouragingly, period poverty is mentioned in the European Commission’s 2025 Roadmap for Women’s Rights. More EU countries are beginning to address the issue, and we hope this leads to more ambitious, intersectoral policies that go beyond mere awareness campaigns.

In France, our work over the past decade has helped build legitimacy around this issue. Thanks to sustained advocacy, reusable menstrual products will now be subsidized, and a growing body of research and reporting has brought greater attention to the topic. Interest has expanded beyond the national level and is now influencing EU-wide initiatives.

Which challenges are you facing?

The main challenge is that many people do not see the importance of this issue, as it is not perceived as urgent or widespread like a pandemic. They often question why policymakers should care. We explain that menstrual health remains a taboo subject, and very little has been done to address it. Yet this issue has a profound impact on people’s lives—it affects health, equality, and women’s rights.

One tip you want to share with other public interest advocates?

It’s important to remain patient. Don’t be afraid of being persistent or of seeming annoying—keep trying. Start by identifying who supports you. At the very least, you will likely find a champion at the parliamentary level. Use that support to help shape and prioritize your goals. As things progress, stay attentive to how the landscape evolves and find your spot!.