unboxing cycles
know your cycle, know your body, know yourself
an artistic and educational project to
raise awareness about hormonal-related topics,
starting with the menstrual cycle.
why?
For many, the bloody days of the month are inconvenient and often associated with pain and restrictions. This perception is usually due to a lack of knowledge of how the menstrual cycle functions.
In modern times, menstruation is still taboo, and menstruators do not have enough access to understand how their bodies function and how to use their cycle in their favour and live a life more in sync
with their bodies and minds.
With unboxing cycles, we want to use the power of art to enable a safe space to share knowledge and, through experimentation and co-creation, develop tools to support and empower menstruating women in their journeys.
how?
A photographic exhibition, a tracking tool co-created by menstruating women and a fully equipped digital hub will give a 360-degree view of the matter, providing room (both digitally and physically) to share, experiment and understand how we can live in synch with the menstrual cycle.
when?
22.12.2023 - 21.12.2024
project development during the symbolic duration of a cycle
(the four phases of the menstrual cycle are often
compared to the four seasons seen in nature).
The photography will be developed throughout the year,
using the seasons to visually represent the menstrual phases.
During this year a focus group will be working together to test existing products and co-create an unique tool to better educate support
women in understanding their menstrual cycle.
Experts, stories and knowledge will be gathered to build a database of information to further assist the journey of self-understanding.
22.12.2024 - 19.03.2025
assembly, fine-tuning, reviewing and printing material
20.03.2025
vernissage combined with the launch of the journal & digital hub
This is only the first project to kickstart the association.
After this, we will create further initiatives to continue raising awareness about the menstrual cycle but further include other
topics related to hormonal health (e.g. menopause, menarche, etc.).
who’s behind the project?
Maja Juzwiak
founder
A BSc in International Management, an MSc in Business Administration & Marketing, self-taught photography skills, and years of experience across sectors in multinational corporations and startups summarise Maja’s professional achievements. Since 2020, she has been living from her work as an artist, photographer and writer. In 2023, she decided to combine all her expertise, interests, and passions and create the association unboxing cycles.
Marina Hagen
co-founder
Having worked in the events and agency industry for more than 10 years, it was time for her to move towards more meaningful pursuits. The last few years have taken her on a journey of discovery, accompanying individuals and organizations in processes of self-development, conflict, and change. Something clicked when, one day, the topic of female cycles crossed her path. Since 2023, she has been a certified menstrual health coach.
Focus Group
A group of twelve menstruating women aged between 25 and 39 from across Switzerland with different lifestyles (employed, self-employed, an artist and an athlete, mothers and non-mothers, living in the city and the mountains) are working together throughout 2024, guided by Maja and Marina, testing existing journals while tracking their cycle, learning about the topic of menstruation, and exchanging and sharing experiences to then co-create the project’s deliverables.
Advisory Board
Consisting of experts in different fields, the advisory board members support the project and act as mentors throughout the execution to achieve a thought-through result.
Meet the board:
Merle Zur
Merle is the Program Lead with a focus in Entrepreneurship & Diversity at Impact Hub Zurich, Co-Lead of the Female Founders Initiative, Creator of the Female Founders Podcast and Podcast Host for Swisspreneur. Her background is in intercultural communication and after having lived and worked in Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and the UK, her path finally led to Zurich. Here she continues supporting startups and entrepreneurs along their journey, especially focusing on female led businesses.
Dr.Adrian J. Krahn
Adrian is a dedicated husband and father of two sons, passionate about supporting women at all stages of life. As founder of The Women Circle, he is determined to help women realize their full potential and improve their health and well-being. With many years of experience in the healthcare industry, Adrian deeply understands how specific nutrients can help women improve their physical and mental health.
Dr. med Michael Häberle
Obstetrician and gynaecologist, focused on Reproductive Endocrinology, Microsurgery, Gynecological surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Since 2002, a partner at Gyn-A.R.T.AG (Center for Female and Male Reproduction, Microsurgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery) in Zürich.
Dr. Ann-Marie de Lange
Dr. Ann-Marie de Lange holds a degree in clinical psychology and a PhD in neuroimaging and brain plasticity from the University of Oslo. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Oxford, before establishing her research group 'FemiLab' at Lausanne University Hospital. Her research aims to identify factors that harm or protect the female brain, using clinical, genetic, and brain imaging data from population-based cohorts. Dr. de Lange is a passionate advocate for women's health research, and strives to connect science and society through her academic work and communication.
Esther Denz
With 30 years of experience in gynaecology and a deep commitment to traditional Chinese medicine, she has had her own clinic since 1995, where she specializes in gynaecology, fertility problems, pregnancy, and birth support. However, her commitment goes far beyond the practice, as she has developed training courses, co-founded teaching institutes, and is committed to the quality and availability of Chinese herbs in Europe with her company, LIAN Apotheke.
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with your support, we can achieve more, get closer to our vision and raise more awareness.
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unboxing cycles
PostFinance
IBAN: CH65 0900 0000 1626 2762 4
thank you for unboxing the cycle with us!
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