Photo Credit: ICC
- Watch the ICC’s Women’s Health awareness videos in English here.
- Watch the ICC’s Women’s Health awareness videos in Hindi here.
- Visit the ICC’s new Women’s Health webpage here.
On Menstrual Hygiene Day, the ICC emphasised its commitment to the health and welfare of female cricketers by providing more support through the 100% Cricket initiative. With women’s cricket being one of the six strategic priorities identified by the ICC, the governing body has expanded its ongoing education and awareness initiatives around women’s health, with the aim to normalise conversations around topics including menstruation in sporting environments.
The efforts began in January this year in South Africa with women’s health education workshops conducted by the ICC for players and support staff of all the participating teams of the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and the senior Women’s T20 World Cup. The work has not stopped and continues with the celebration of today’s Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The objective is to normalise and drive necessary conversation around the topic of women’s health and menstrual cycles within the cricket ecosystem.
The U19 Women’s T20 World Cup was the first phase of the programme, where menstrual health was the primary focus, with the education expanding to breast and pelvic floor health at the Women’s T20 World Cup. The aim was to educate players and support staff on how women’s health can affect performance, what is normal and when to seek help.
Health education workshops will also be expanded beyond global events and delivered at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup pathway events across the five participating regions in 2023, beginning with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 2 Qualifier in Jersey which starts on Monday (29 May 2023).
Chair of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Peter Harcourt said: “Women’s cricket is growing exponentially and the ICC Medical team is focussed on providing female cricketers with the support required to help them succeed. Menstrual health is an integral part of a female athlete’s journey that is often relegated in importance but has been known to have a significant impact on wellbeing and performance.
“The ICC is pleased with the positive feedback received from players and support staff at the menstrual health workshops delivered at the two women’s events in South Africa. We will continue to focus on building awareness, delivering education, and effectively supporting female cricketers in the area of women’s health.”
The ICC has also been working closely with its Members on women’s health, and through the 100% Cricket initiative, intends to serve as a platform to highlight the work being done by members in this space. The webpage also features a menstrual health module developed by the England and Wales Cricket Board Women’s Health Group.
On Menstrual Hygiene Day, the ICC has released awareness building videos in English and Hindi around the topic of menstruation featuring 100% Cricket Ambassador, Mithali Raj, World Cup winner, Lydia Greenway, former South Africa captain Mignon du Preez and other high-profile faces of the women’s game. This and future content can be located at the new Women’s Health page on the ICC 100% Cricket website.
