Alessia Russo kicks off campaign to tackle period stigma in sport

The trio of female athletes have become ‘Period Champions’ for girls’ rights charity Plan International UK, sharing their personal experiences of managing their period whilst competing at the highest level – to help challenge the taboos that cause girls and young people to miss out on sport and exercise because of their monthly cycle.   

The campaign comes as new Plan International UK research reveals that 60% of girls and young women have skipped PE lessons because of their period, while over half (56%) say they have never had lessons at school or college about managing their period whilst exercising or playing sport.  

The nationwide study of 1,000 girls and young women aged 12-21 found that the main reasons for avoiding PE during their period were feeling unwell or in pain (60%), worries about leaking (40%) and not feeling confident about being active (29%). 

The research also highlights the game-changing impact that public figures can have on girls’ confidence. Nearly a third (29%) said that seeing celebrities and social media influencers talk openly about menstrual health would help them feel more confident managing their periods. 

To help break down the taboos and encourage open conversations, Alessia Russo has recorded a short film sharing the challenges of playing professional football on her period, as well as the strategies she uses to help manage her menstrual health and feel confident on the pitch. 

Arsenal and England striker, Alessia Russo, said: “Periods are a completely normal part of life, and my monthly cycle can often fall around a big match or during a major tournament. But they should never be a barrier that stops girls and young people from playing sport. That’s why I am delighted to support this campaign which shows that girls belong on the pitch – even when having their period.”  

Alessia will hand over the baton to Imani-Lara - who is preparing for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – and Andrea, who will both release their own period positive films in the coming days in support of the campaign. The films from each Period Champion will also be available to watch on Plan International UK’s Instagram channel. 

Team GB diver and Olympic medallist, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, said: “Having your period should never force you to stop doing the sport you love. So, it's really important to talk openly about periods and exercising so girls can feel more confident about managing their menstrual health. Sometimes my period is really hard to manage so I need to adjust my training instead of pushing through and that is something I’m still learning about too. Your monthly cycle is nothing to be ashamed of and I want every girl to know that it's fine to still be in the pool when it happens.” 

Team GB sprinter and Olympic medallist, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, said: “It's shocking that so much stigma about periods and sport still exists. Your monthly cycle is completely natural, not something to hide or feel embarrassed about, and I've even had my period during major championships. But whether you're competing at sports day or the Olympics, nobody should miss out on enjoying sport because of their period. I'm proud be a Period Champion and help more girls and young people feel confident about their menstrual health.” 

The campaign is also encouraging girls and young people to take part in Plan International UK’s Period Peers programme, a nationwide initiative that is breaking down the stigma surrounding periods. The programme - supported by Nurofen’s See My Pain Campaign - supports girls and young people to become ‘Period Peers’ who deliver fun, educational workshops that boost menstrual health knowledge and help their peers feel more confident managing their period.  

Maisie, a Period Peer aged 16, from Manchester, commented: “I try to not let my periods affect me doing sports, but on the worst days they can definitely make me feel more tired or too unwell to take part. 

“I think being on your period can feel humiliating when doing sport as you feel like you are at a disadvantage to others, especially when it’s competitive. But I think all girls should learn to feel more comfortable when doing sport and remember that it is completely normal for girls and women to be on their period.” 

For further information about the Period Peers programme, and how girls and young people can take part, please visit: Welcome to the Period Peers Programme | Plan International UK