Heli Kurjanen, VD Lunette, har talat inför FN: s generalförsamling ”Vårt uppdrag är att ha en ärlig och inspirerande konversation om menstruation så att vi kan motivera till positiva känslor om mens och förändra världen - en kopp i taget.” Under onsdagen så talade Heli (@HeliK_Lunette), VD för Lunette, vid FN: s generalförsamling i den viktiga diskussionen om ”The role of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the Economic Empowerment of Women.” ”När kvinnor och flickor befrias från motgångar och problem, som kommer till följd av att ha mens, då kan de släppa lös sin totala frigörelse. Tyvärr finns det många i världen som fortfarande står inför dessa onödiga svårigheter. Vi tror att positiv förändring är möjlig och vi arbetar för att bevisa det.” Heli talade tillsammans med vicepresidenten för Costa Rica, Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, utrikeshandels- och utvecklingsministern i Finland, Kai Mykkänen, Minister of Gender i Zambia, Victoria Kalima, och många andra. Diskussionen granskade de kritiska kopplingarna mellan sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa och rättigheter och kvinnors fulla deltagande i den ekonomiska utvecklingen. Det är av yttersta vikt att vi kan stärka medvetenheten och inflytandet för att realisera kvinnors och flickors rättigheter inom sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa (SRHR) och kopplingen till ekonomisk utveckling och frigörelse.  Lunette är mer än bara en menskopp. Vi är en grupp passionerade och kreativa värdeaktivister som vill sprida ett kraftfullt budskap.  Heli och resten av Lunette-teamet är oerhört stolta och ödmjuka inför möjligheten att ha fått tala vid en så viktig händelse om ett ämne som vi bryr oss så innerligt om. Följ samtalet med hashtagen #SRHREmpowers   ------- #SRHREmpowers #UNWomen #UNFPA Menstruation is a vital issue for the international community. "Violence towards women in refugee camps has nothing to do with lust. It has to do with power. This is unacceptable." -Mr. Frans Timmermans Education and dialog is key to protect women's human rights. "Boys and men are a vital part of the equation in supporting the girl through her journey." -Dr. Natalia Kanem "The barriers that we see are based on social norms. There is an assumption that teaching sexual education will encourage girls to be sexually active." -Dr. Lydia Murithi (sexual and reproductive health specialist, ICRW) It's not easy to integrate sex and reproductive education into the school curriculum. But that's the direction that we need to go in. "We can be proactive as far as documentation. But we need to be proactive in implementation." -Ms. Annah Sango, Zimbabwe Young Positives.) As communities invest in their girls we protect them from violence and maternal death. "Gender based violence effects the wellbeing of women in every country." -Dr. Natalia Kanem  

This month we’re celebrating all the ways we can use 12 hours when we don’t have to worry about our period (Yaass Queeen)! But what’s the deal with the 12 hours? How often should I be emptying my menstrual cup really? Here’s all you need to know: How long can I keep the Lunette menstrual cup in for? The Lunette menstrual cup can be used for up to 12 straight hours. Of course everyone is different and those with a heavier flow may need to empty their cup more often (more on that below). Why 12 hours? The Lunette menstrual cup is made from high-quality medical grade silicone which means it safe inside of you and stays fresh too. However, no period product (or most other items for that matter!), no matter how high quality, should be kept inside your vagina for extended periods of time without checking and cleaning properly. What about if I have a heavy flow? All of us experience different periods and there’s certainly no “one size fits all” guidance. The important thing is to get to know your own flow and adjust to what suits you. Firstly, make sure you get the right size cup. Lunette menstrual cups come in 2 sizes, one of which is better for those who have heavier flows. Those with a heavier flow may also need to empty their cup more frequently. If you’re new to menstrual cups try emptying it every 2 to 4 hours until you get a good sense of how full your cup gets. Can I keep my menstrual cup in overnight? Yes! You can sleep soundly with your Lunette menstrual cup all night long. What if I accidentally leave my cup in for more than 12 hours? Don’t panic. There is no sudden extra danger of having your cup still inside of you for more than 12 hours but it’s best to empty and clean it as soon as you realise. Remove, check and clean your cup like you normally would and continue normal use. However, if you’re concerned it has been a very long time and/or you experience any unusual symptoms then always have a chat with your doctor. How do I clean my cup properly? Simply tip, rinse and wash out! Check out our full handy cleaning guide here for more tips. If you have any other questions about your Lunette menstrual cup let us know. Don’t forget to join in the conversation and tell us how YOU would want to spend 12 hours!

Tired of seeing those period commercials that show us how absorbent their tampons or pads are from a blue liquid representing our period blood? (they’re SO OFF if they think our vaginas are producing that color). Okay okay, in all seriousness, I don’t think I’ve ever been able to relate to a single one of those period commercials, have you? If I’m wearing a pad and doing yoga at the same time, there’s absolutely no way I’m going to feel fresh and comfortable, and I’m definitely not all smiles during my period week! If tampon and pad commercials were honest, we’d be seeing what it’s really like to have a period. Come on advertising and marketing gurus, there’s GOT to be a better way to portray how real menstruating humans actually feel! The issue at hand is, most people feel uncomfortable when someone brings up the “period” topic. In fact, I’m pretty sure people only talk about it with other menstruating humans, and in the comfort of their own private home. Non-menstruating humans, what are you afraid of? Unfortunately, having a period is often viewed as shameful, dirty, and “explicit” content. Something so natural, that happens to HALF of the population, and literally creates life, has a negative don’t-talk-about-it reputation, but how can we stop that? Content (photos especially) related to periods often get taken down from social media yet we feel more comfortable seeing images of women being objectified and sexualized. Please tell me how this is right.  It’s not. The advertising world has made it seem like a fantasy girly-girl land if you succumb to a certain period care product that’s on television. If you’re feeling crampy and cranky during your period, then FEEL crampy and cranky – no one has the right to judge you. Just remember that you’re still a badass and your uterus does wonders ;) Our bodies go through a lot of changes in life, and it’s about time people (and the media) start realizing the truth about menstruation. So, next time you feel embarrassed buying tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup at the grocery store, or someone gives you the “stink eye” when you start talking about your period, remember that without one that person wouldn’t be alive AND periods are AWESOME. Break the taboo and start embracing your uterus and all that it does. Are you with us?