Login Sign up
Home // Menstruation and Rainbow Inclusive Practices

Menstruation and Rainbow Inclusive Practices

‘Going with the flow’ is a multi-media resource about gender equity in the outdoors. It aims to inspire positive changes to outdoor practice and culture.

Designed for youth, educators, and outdoor practitioners, it includes:

  • a print resource
  • a four-part video series
  • lesson plans suitable to use with young people who are 10-15 years old (Years 6-10)
  • diverse stories of menstruation and rainbow experiences in the outdoors
  • practical tips and information about gender inclusive practices.

This resource will help you to have a better understanding about the needs of those who menstruate (including people from the Rainbow community), and the things we can all do to create a more inclusive outdoors. It contains contributions from Ngahuia Murphy, InsideOUT, Intersex Trust Aotearoa New Zealand, and Princess Warrior Workshops.

EONZ would like to acknowledge and show our gratitude to our funding partners: the Ministry of Education, Sport New Zealand, the University of Canterbury, PPTA, and Leave No Trace Aotearoa.


We would also like to thank all the people who shared their experiences with us, contributed in some way towards content or provided supporting material that sits alongside the resource.

Print resource 

The print resource has two sections:

Part A: ‘Knowledge is power’ – This part of the resource aims to challenge the misinformation, and missing information about periods, and about people who menstruate. It offers in-depth information about four key topics and is written so that it is accessible for everyone (including young people). Topics include:  

  • Menstruation myths, perceptions and stories
  • Beliefs and practices around menstruation
  • Supporting gender diversity and variations of sex characteristics
  • Period management: tools and strategies.

Part B: ‘A toolkit for change’ – The toolkit includes five lessons plans appropriate for ten- to fifteen-year-olds (students in Years 6-10). The lesson plans can also be adapted to suit different age groups and used by anyone working with young people in the outdoors, such as Scout and GirlGuiding leaders, outdoor instructors and sport coaches.

The toolkit also provides specific advice and guidance about inclusive outdoor practices.

Click here to download the full print resource: 

Part A - download here

Part B - download here

Video series

The resource also includes a four-part video series. The videos address some of the key topics covered in the resource. It is delivered in a youth-friendly and engaging way, so it’s perfect to combine with the ‘toolkit’ lesson plans or to share with others to generate conversation.

The video series has been translated in:

  • Te reo Māori
  • Samoan
  • Tongan (due for release early 2023)
  • Mandarin
  • Hindi

View the video series here:

Video 1: Menstruation myths and perceptions

Want to watch this video in a language other than English? Click on the language that you wish to watch: te reo Māori, Sāmoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Hindi

Video 2: Rainbow experiences of menstruation

Want to watch this video in a language other than English? Click on the language that you wish to watch: te reo Māori, Sāmoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Hindi

Video 3: Menstruation management in the outdoors

Want to watch this video in a language other than English? Click on the language that you wish to watch: te reo Māori, Sāmoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Hindi

Video 4: Advice for educators and outdoor practitioners

Want to watch this video in a language other than English? Click on the language that you wish to watch: te reo Māori, Sāmoan, Tongan, Mandarin, Hindi

A note about language 

A diverse range of people contributed to this resource. However, the main writers and editors are Pākehā and cisgender women (a cisgender person is someone whose gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth). Great care has been taken to ensure that this resource empowers and includes everyone.

This resource uses language that is best practice at the time of publishing. As the terminology evolves alongside the outdoor and Rainbow communities, some of the language used in this resource may no longer be accurate. If you spot something that isn’t right, please get in touch and we’ll revise it.

Diversity and inclusion on school camp' letters

We have created two ‘diversity and inclusion on school camp’ letters – one for primary/intermediate schools and one for secondary schools.

These letters are for schools to share with parents | whānau about how they will manage and support diversity and inclusion on school camp (and EOTC). These letters are relevant for ALL students | ākonga and their whānau, not just for female students of menstruating age.

To access the letters and support information, click below

Professional development

In 2023 we are delivering a series of workshops and webinars about ‘Going with the flow’ and gender-inclusive practices. These are suitable for both schools and providers. Please visit the PLD events page to view when and where these are taking place.

If you would like professional development for your team/staff about topics included in the resource, please get in touch with us at PLD@eonz.org.nz. Discounts are available for EONZ members.