Period Positive: Hopes for greater gender equality have brightened at Wimbledon

“I speak openly about my period. I don’t think it’s a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport,” British star Heather Watson told Sky Sports.

“Last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white under-shorts, and I didn’t want to face any embarrassment. We’re running around sweating, doing the splits on the court,” she continued.

“This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again, so I’m very happy that I won’t have to do the same thing as last year.”

She was referring to the Board of the iconic tennis championship deciding to step away from the ‘all-white’ norm. “I think it’s a real positive and it’s really great. Really forward-thinking,” added Watson.

It’s awful to worry about stains all the time when you’re having your period, especially if you’re an athlete. Last month, British athlete Emma Pallant-Browne shared a photo of herself with a small blood stain on her swimsuit while competing in the PTO European Open triathlon in Ibiza, Spain.

When Tammy Beaumont, an English cricketer, began her periods during a test match, her first thought was about the customary all-white attire she is expected to wear throughout the entire game.

The fear of bleed-through could impair performance. “I think it takes a lot of courage to come out of that situation and play and be there for six hours on the cricket field,” cricketer Jhulan Goswami said in an episode of Wednesdays with WV, hosted by WV Raman, former Indian cricketer and former coach of the India women’s national cricket team.

But, with Wimbledon relaxing its strict all-white dress code, is the sports industry finally entering a new era?

Leading players, including Victoria Azarenka, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, have embraced the new rule and worn black undershorts during the competition’s first-round matches, which began on July 3.

Progressive stance

Wimbledon’s decision to allow female athletes to wear non-white shorts during their periods is a progressive change that shows that the championship is adapting to the needs of modern athletes, feels badminton player Shivani Singh.

“It’s refreshing to see that Wimbledon is willing to evolve and recognize that female athletes need clothing that is comfortable and functional. This change also sends a message that women’s bodies should not be the subject of shame or embarrassment, and that they should have the freedom to wear what they need without judgment. Overall, the change is a positive step towards greater gender equality and inclusivity in tennis,” says Shivani, adding, “It is a great step towards breaking down stigmas around menstruation and promoting inclusivity in sports. It also shows that sports organizations are willing to listen to the needs of their athletes in order to create a comfortable and supportive environment.”

Confidence booster

Women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured undershorts if they choose.

Female players are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.

When the rule change was announced in late 2022, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club chief executive Sally Bolton had said the tournament was “committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best.” After consulting with the players, female players were given the option of wearing coloured undershorts beginning with this year’s tournament.

What an athlete wears is one of the things that boosts their self-confidence.
“An athlete can overcome setbacks and perform well if they are confident. Comfortable clothing can increase an athlete's acceptance, which is important in sports because female athletes between the ages of 12 and 14 are the ones who leave the sport for a variety of reasons, one of which is concern over their monthly periods. Shorts and bottoms in light colours only make the inconvenience worse. While moving, they become self-conscious and may perform poorly. Sports already have a high level of pressure, so adding clothing inconvenience will further reduce the already low percentage of female athletes,” says Dr. Priyanka Sarkar, sports psychologist.

Designed for men

For many years, sports equipment has been designed with the male body in mind, according to Steadfast Nutrition,  sports and wellness nutrition brand, athlete and mountaineer Varuna Raina.

“This means that women have frequently had to deal with uncomfortable and impractical clothing when participating in sports, especially when they are having their periods. Recent public awareness campaigns have resulted in the development of new products, such as period-proof knickers and shorts, that can help women feel more confident and comfortable when participating in sports.”

Welcoming Wimbledon’s dress code decision, Varuna Raina  says “It demonstrates that sports communities and organisations are finally beginning to recognise the needs of female athletes and are taking steps to make sports more inclusive. We need to make the environment more welcoming of female athletes. This will encourage more women to participate in sports, which has numerous physical and mental health benefits.”

Mental stress

“Many female athletes take medications to delay their periods so that the cycle does not coincide with tournaments. This could have long-term consequences once they hang up their boots. If dark-coloured clothing can encourage more female athletes to participate in sports, the initiative should be applauded, ” adds Dr Priyanka.