Project
Symwerian: Fighting for Menstrual Equity
Role
Project Creator
Overview
Creative project that uses wearable art to spark conversations and break the stigma around menstruationA symwerian is a self-invented concept. It is a gathering where participants decorate wearable items, such as T-shirts, which act as both a canvas for personal expression and a catalyst for discussion about taboo topics. It’s designed for ideas that are difficult to talk about directly, but are easier to address through a wearable that acts as a conversation starter.
A symwerian was held to break the stigma surrounding menstruation. The idea stems from my thesis work, which was inspired by my experience as a medical assistant at an OBGYN office. There, I observed how patients felt humiliated or embarrassed when discussing menstruation, despite it being a natural process. This sparked my curiosity – why is menstruation such a taboo subject, even when it affects so many? I created symwerian as a way to spark conversations, empower individuals, and allow them to share their experiences through self-expression.
POSTER ON SYMWERIAN
The first symwerian event was centered on menstrual equity. Participants were given instructional kits containing a plain T-shirt and materials to decorate with. Each kit also included a booklet with thought-provoking questions about menstruation, such as, “What is one word you would use to describe menstruation?” These questions served as a prompt for participants to reflect on their beliefs and feelings about menstruation.
Process
Before the event, participants completed questions in their booklets, translating their responses onto the T-shirt. Each question was assigned a particular material. For example, the “what is one word you would use to describe menstruation?” needed to be displayed on the shirt with red thread. This created a common language where everyone knew what each material meant. During the symwerian, partipcants wore their decorated shirts, where the shirts became their voices. The wearables sparked organic conversations as attendees commented on each other’s designs. These discussions led to memorable, impactful stories about menstruation.
BEFORE AND AFTER SYMWERIAN
After the discussion, participants were given a new set of questions to measure. This was done to measure their growth and change in their views of menstruation. They added to their T-shirts using new materials, illustrating how their perspectives had evolved.
The event successfully created a space for vulnerable, yet meaningful conversations about menstruation. By using wearable art as a tool for self-expression, participants were able to share their experiences in a non-threatening, open environment. The project culminated in a publication documenting the event, capturing the voices, stories, and reflections of those who took part.
PUBLICATION AND TOTEConclusion
Symwerian provided a platform for people to engage with a sensitive topic in a creative and impactful way. It not only facilitated conversations around menstruation but also encouraged participants to reflect on their personal growth and understanding of menstrual equity.