“My menstruation journey in sport was sad and lonely”: The menstruation experiences of Pacific sports women in Aotearoa New Zealand

This research examined the lived experiences of Pacific sportswomen living in Aotearoa New Zealand concerning menstruation and sport. This research looks into understanding how the different cultural beliefs and taboos on menstruation may impact a Pacific sportswoman's life. Pacific sportswomen in Aotearoa experience menstruation through an intersectional lens with their family and cultural values and practices, intersecting with gender to shape their experiences in sporting contexts. Guided by the Masi methodology, this research ensures that the Pacific sportswomen's voices remain centered and prioritized. Our analysis illustrates three key findings (1) The intersections of family, culture, and sports; (2) Fears, Silencing, and Questionable Advice in Elite Sport; (3) Changes in sports organizations menstrual knowledge. Drawing upon interviews with 16 Pacific sportswomen living in Aotearoa, our research highlights how culture intersects with gender and other key variables (i.e. socioeconomic considerations) to influence sportswomen's experiences of menstruation.