First Nations Women Leading Menstrual Health Education

Raya is a Warumungu woman from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Through her own experiences as a teenager and adult, Raya recognised the importance of culturally safe educatio,n and the need for open conversations surrounding women’s health.

While working within the mental health sector, she observed that many women and girls were experiencing physical and mental health challenges closely linked to hormonal changes, puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health.

It was through this work that Raya identified the urgent need for menstrual health education programs that also prioritise Social and Emotional Wellbeing for women and girls.

Since the inception of Chupis, Raya has been developing educational programs for communities across Australia. Each program has been carefully designed in collaboration with community organisations, First Nations women, trainers, educators, and health professionals, ensuring the programs are engaging, and responsive to the unique needs of each community.

“The programs are specifically designed to be interactive and encourage open conversation. We strongly encourage community organisations to take our programs, and deliver within their own communities. We believe communities are best placed to advocate for themselves.”

Each program can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the community, recognising that every area is different, and may experience unique challenges and barriers.

At the heart of the program, is a commitment to improving menstrual health, women’s health, body literacy, and wellbeing outcomes through education, empowerment, and culturally safe discussion.

By creating safe spaces for conversation and learning, Chupis hopes to empower women and girls to advocate for themselves, their health, and their communities.

Throughout program delivery, participants also receive menstrual health packs containing reusable and practical hygiene items such as washable bags, period underwear, soap, and other essential menstrual and hygiene products to support ongoing menstrual health management with dignity and confidence.