Irise International
Irise International is an award-winning, global leader in menstrual justice programming, policy and research. Menstrual justice is a rights-based, intersectional approach that seeks to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge discriminatory social constructs and address structural inequities related to menstruation. Irise believes menstrual justice should be at the heart of health and gender equity intervention.
We believe that young people are a powerful force for social change. Young activists are leading the fight for menstrual justice—but they’re too often under-resourced and unsupported. We amplify the power of youth-led activism by fostering collaboration and peer learning. Our mission is simple: equip young people with the tools, resources, and networks they need to drive the social transformation needed to realise menstrual justice for all.
Irise delivers our Period Confident Schools program which tackles two menstrual justice issues that young people are facing in England and Wales: menstrual education that does not meet their needs and difficulties in accessing toilets and period products in their schools. Irise takes a whole-school approach to catalyse youth-led systemic change and a shift in culture around periods and menstrual justice that works for students and educators. Irise delivers this program across primary, secondary, college and SEN education settings, which transforms school culture around menstruation and improves toilet access through innovative, age appropriate, interactive menstrual health curriculum training and school policy creation.
One teacher said “This practical support has been crucial in promoting equity and reducing barriers to full participation in school life.”