*CFP* CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS, MENSTRUATION RESEARCH NETWORK

In collaboration with the Menstruation Research Network, this one-day event at the University of Sheffield will focus on media narratives about menstruation and related topics. It will bring together researchers in the fields of journalism and media studies, individual advocates, and representatives from NGOs. The event will take place at the University of Sheffield on 22nd October 2021, but this will be changed to an online format if necessary.

We are delighted to announce that our keynote speaker will be Annika Waheed. Annika is a non-clinical lecturer for Barts Health Trust in London and suffers from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, a condition that she describes as ‘PMS’s woefully misunderstood Satanic sibling’. She advocates, educates, and raises awareness via her Instagram page on which she candidly records her journey living with PMDD.

The day will also include 15-minute papers and workshops. Papers/workshop sessions are free to explore any type of media (such as blogs, zines, podcasts, apps, websites, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, newspapers, magazines, radio, cinema).

Topics could include (but are not limited to) the following mediatised aspects of menstrual experience:

• Menstrual inequalities 
• Period Poverty 
• Menstrual Stigma 
• Menstrual products 
• The Environment (such as the impact of plastic products) 
• Transgender and non-binary identities 
• Intersectionality 
• Ethnic minority groups 
• Menstrual health (such as PMDD or endometriosis) 
• Education (such as in schools) 
• Menopause

 

If you would like to propose either a 15-minute presentation or a 45-minute workshop, please submit an abstract/ summary of up to 300 words along with a brief bio to the organisers Dr. Maria Tomlinson at maria.tomlinson@sheffield.ac.uk and Lottie Rhodes at C.Rhodes2@newcastle.ac.uk. The submission deadline is Friday 4th June.

There is a limited amount of funding available for travel expenses for speakers/ workshop leaders (within the UK) who are students, ECRs, or unemployed. The event is supported by the Leverhulme Trust and will be free to attend.