A community conversation to better understand how dads can support their teenage daughters during menstruation will be held at The University of Western Australia this month.
Dr Dani Barrington, from UWA's School of Population and Global Health, organised the event aimed at reducing the negative impacts of menstruation by involving fathers in discussions.
"During their periods, many people experience physical and mental discomforts and lack the confidence to engage in everyday activities," Dr Barrington said.
"This can lead to poorer psychological health, relationships and participation in social, educational and employment opportunities."
The discussion will focus on how dads currently support their teenage daughters and what they think they need so that they can support them better.
"Dads are an important source of support for their teenage daughters, including during their periods," Dr Barrington said.
"Even though they may not want to discuss them with their fathers, girls benefit from a supportive, stigma-free environment where other family members understand that periods – particularly early on – can be a daunting experience.
"We want to understand what is needed so fathers can engage more in conversations around menstruation and be better allies to their teenage daughters."
The organisers are looking for dads with a daughter aged between 12 and 25 years of age to join the conversation, and they'll each receive a $70 gift voucher for their time and expertise.
The findings from the discussion will be used for a co-designed training program for dads in a format defined by the participants.
"We hope this will help progress towards a society where adolescent girls are better supported and the negative impacts of menstruation on their everyday lives are reduced," Dr Barrington said.
The community conversation is on Wednesday 27 August from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at UWA's Nedlands site. For more information and to submit an expression of interest to attend click here.
