“We can say the words vulva and vagina without it being the worst people on the planet. We need to have a conversation about these things”

That’s the message from Molly Fenton, the founder of the Love Your Period Campaign.

“The whole idea of making [women’s bodies] more acceptable is to take away the sexualisation and stigma.”

She was part of a panel in the Senedd addressing secondary school pupils from Cardiff, ahead of International Women’s Day this Friday (8th March).

Alongside Molly, the panel consisted of Jess Davies, campaigner and radio presenter, Taylor Edmonds, Future Generations Commissioner Poet in Residence, and was chaired by Jessica Clayton, ITV Wales journalist.

Jess Davies said that she’s concerned about the perception of women among young men and boys. She said: “Men and boys have lost empathy when it comes to women. We want to try to engage and educate”.

After the panel discussion, female MSs joined in round table discussions with the schools, which included Ysgol Plasmawr, Ysgol Bro Edern, Ysgol Gwent Is-Coed, Fitzalan High School and Cardiff West High School. The themes discussed were barriers to gender equality and issues facing young women in Wales.

Molly Fenton said more needs to be done to improve women’s health and to remove the stigma surrounding periods.

Anna and Reese-Ann from Ysgol Gwent Is-Coed found the event inspiring. Anna said: “It’s so validating to know that there are so many people that have similar experiences.”