On 22 June 2024, over 300 people gathered at Sigmund Freud Park in Vienna, Austria, for the highly anticipated second WAVE Rave, an event dedicated to raising awareness about period inequality. Organised by WAVE Youth Ambassador Aliz Bineth, the event shed light on a rarely discussed form of inequality: period stigma and the global challenges surrounding menstruation.
Under the motto “Break the Stigma and Talk About It”, this year’s WAVE Rave presented a variety of activities designed to engage attendees, including speeches, performances, and DJ sets. Alongside these performances, the WAVE Rave featured several information stands from various organisations, promoting knowledge and dialogue about menstruation and period inequality. Attendees were encouraged to explore these stands, learn more about WAVE’s mission, pick up informational leaflets, and even try out a period pain simulator – a unique experience that allowed non-menstruators to understand the discomfort associated with menstrual pain.
The day was filled with back-to-back DJ performances, interspersed with educational talks about the importance of recognising period inequality as a critical issue. One of the most memorable moments the “Period Quiz,” a fun and educational activity that tested attendees’ knowledge of menstruation, debunking myths and encouraging more open, stigma-free discussions.
Beyond the music and activities, the event had a clear mission: to create an inclusive and respectful environment for engaging with this crucial issue.
In preparation for the event, WAVE Youth Ambassador Aliz Bineth had organised a Menstruation Workshop in May 2024 at the CEU Budapest Campus, along with menstruation coach Nóra Szőllősi and Judit Bassnyó from NANE x Patent. The workshop was attended by 17 high school students of mixed genders, which highlighted the educational gaps in menstruation knowledge. The facilitators noted that participants were initially hesitant but eventually opened up, demonstrating the importance of creating open, inclusive spaces to discuss this taboo subject.
Feedback from the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, revealing a strong demand for more comprehensive menstruation education in schools and beyond. By engaging both menstruators and non-menstruators, the workshop emphasised the importance of fostering mutual understanding and gender equality, a theme echoed throughout the WAVE RAVE event.
The 2024 WAVE Rave was more than just an event – it was a powerful statement against the stigma surrounding menstruation and a call for action to address period inequality. Through a combination of education, entertainment, and activism, the WAVE Rave succeeded in raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and empowering attendees to continue breaking the silence on this critical issue. We hope the event continues to grow in the coming years, as it remains a symbol of change and an important platform within the WAVE Youth Ambassadors initiative.
