015｜STAND+（6）

The renovated toilets in the seven high schools of W County primarily address the drainage issues each school faces. 

The newly installed drainage system effectively resolves problems such as waste separation and gas backflow, while also facilitating the recycling of water resources. With the underground facilities secured, each female toilet is equipped with eight stalls, each provided with toilet paper, and a flushing system that includes a disinfection feature. Additionally, each women's toilet has four sinks along with necessary cleaning and disinfection supplies, as well as a sanitary napkin dispenser—each napkin available for a nominal fee of 0.5 Yuan.

On either side of the dispenser, there is a "Mutual Assistance Book" and a "Feedback Book." The "Mutual Assistance Book" allows girls to anonymously share their concerns and questions regarding menstruation, as well as receive answers and encouragement, while the "Feedback Book" invites evaluations and suggestions for improvement regarding the restroom's functionality after use. Furthermore, a bulletin board is installed on the wall opposite the sinks, which regularly disseminates and updates knowledge on women's health and hygiene.

To prevent incidents of violence and bullying within the school toilets, each facility is equipped with two safety alarm systems. The revitalised toilets embody safety, cleanliness, hygiene, cultural sensitivity, and a user-friendly experience, encapsulating the transformative philosophy that "a girl's menstrual health begins in the toilet."

In the closing credits' Easter egg, the advocate for "sanitary pad embroidery," Mai Mai, faces the camera and states, "I am actually a child who grew up in the poverty village, where I didn't have access to sanitary pads. To this day, I have a certain obsession with them. I have a bedroom filled with sanitary products of various brands and sizes. Two years ago, during my menstrual cycle, I noticed that the patterns and lines on the side of different brands and models of sanitary pads that touch the skin vary. I can't explain the reasons in a very professional manner, but at that moment, the idea of creating secondary art and embroidery along those lace patterns came to my mind. I find those lace designs particularly beautiful, just like every girl; I hope that through this activity, more girls can confront their bodies and menstruation with greater awareness. We are born this way, and there is nothing to be ashamed of."

After watching the first episode of "STAND+," who wouldn't comment on the "mysterious figure" Zhong Shao He and the debut producer Yu Cheng being intentional? Intentional about what? Intentional about airing the first episode on May 28. 

Why? Because the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, and people typically menstruate for about five days each month. 

May 28 is World Menstrual Day.

The establishment of World Menstrual Day aims to break various taboos surrounding menstruation and to enhance global awareness and understanding of the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management. The initiative "Girls' Sanitary Pads and Restrooms" undoubtedly resonates with this year's international theme—"Making Menstruation a Normal Part of Life by 2030"—and serves as a powerful catalyst for the "Menstrual Shame" movement led by girls advocating for their rights. 

Under the guidance of new reproductive policies, we continuously promote a fertility-friendly society and strive to create women-friendly cities, both of which fundamentally prioritize women's well-being. 

Women's friendliness is not solely a concern for women as a group; it is a collective effort for societal development and progress. A society characterised by continuous technological innovation and the transmission of civilisation not only reflects the embodiment of social infrastructure and gender equality for women but should also possess the capability to distil the private experiences of both minorities and non-minorities into broader social competencies and experiences.

Setting aside other issues, the recent wave of "Menstrual Shame" sparked by the debate over whether high-speed trains should sell sanitary pads highlights that since the official launch of China's high-speed rail in 2003, this is not the first time a female passenger has faced travel-related embarrassment. Yet, it is only now, after 20 years, that such issues are receiving attention and discussion.

This change has been driven by women breaking the silence and making their voices heard. They have stepped forward not only for themselves but also on behalf of the entire community. Only when women fundamentally change their awareness of themselves we can truly take a step toward achieving social-gender equality. 

Today, I stand in solidarity with my peers, as I am also backed by countless women.

For the first time, on May 28, the issue of sanitary napkins failing quality inspections was openly discussed across all platforms, bringing the topic of menstruation to the forefront. People began to realise that "menstrual shame" merely reflects the authentic state of menstruating women, representing a true aspect of their identity, while society has consistently overlooked and dismissed the legitimate needs of women. In an instant, requests for exclusive interviews with Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng surged like fish crossing a river. However, the two seemed to have "disappeared" from public view, evoking a sense of "Though I am not in the world, the world still speaks of me."

Amid countless discussions, one question emerged repeatedly: Why would men like Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng advocate for issues that are friendly to women?

The pinned comment states: Regarding Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng's advocacy for women's friendliness in the context of "menstrual poverty," my initial reaction is—unexpected yet reasonable. A review of the posts these two men have shared over the years reveals two key messages. Firstly, both are individuals who take a keen interest in "other people's business," readily defending and firmly standing on what they believe to be right. Secondly, the victims or parties involved in these "other people's business" are often viewed as "minorities," and many of these "minorities" are outstanding figures in their respective fields. Coupled with their involvement in the film "Same or Not," where they portray male protagonists fighting for "gender equality" in a future interstellar setting, who can argue that this does not reflect their true inner selves? Oh, and regarding WAT, although Zhong Shao is a legal person, has anyone noticed that in the updated shareholder list, Yucheng Fang is likely the Yu Cheng we know? Personally, I lean towards their "empathy for the minority" rather than merely "sympathizing" with them. Their ability to empathize with others stems from their capacity to view the same issue from another's perspective; mere pity is insufficient and overly emotional, lacking the resolve to engage in endeavours that yield little reward. This sentiment is not what the individuals involved in these events require. Therefore, "empathy" signifies that they advocate for women's friendliness based on fundamental needs, rather than just paying lip service. This world has never lacked indifferent individuals, nor will it have an abundance of those overflowing with passion; those who can empathize with others are indeed rare and invaluable.

Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng distanced themselves from the clamour of the internet, embracing a "life away from the world" on the temperate island of Guernsey. 

Initially, they had no specific destination in mind; they simply wished to avoid media attention and boarded a flight to London. 

On the plane, Zhong Shao revisited "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," which sparked a sudden desire to visit Guernsey. 

Consequently, after landing, they took a connecting flight to the island.

This island, situated between England and Normandy, is remote from the British mainland yet close to France, with the French coastline visible from its shores. Guernsey is small but charming, featuring St. Peter's Port alongside vast fields and pastures. Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng resided on Pollet Street, where the neighbourhood boasted a variety of shops, their windows impeccably clean and filled to the brim with goods. Like every other visitor drawn to Guernsey by the film and novel, they sought out locations related to the story scattered throughout St. Peter's Port and the island. During low tide, they would ascend the stone steps from the sea to the pier, gazing at the white yachts and their masts filling the harbour. They would then purchase two cups of coffee and find a flower-adorned corner to sit in and quietly appreciate the passage of time. Their most frequent activity involved holding hands while shopping for daily necessities at the local supermarket, returning with fresh produce to prepare simple meals.

Life on Guernsey seemed to stretch time itself, allowing Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng to enjoy a prolonged "retirement" on this tranquil island, free from disturbances.