Sisters' Stories: Our Girls’ Hygiene workshops tackle menstrual taboos
We’re constantly amazed and proud of the women and girls we support, and for this week’s Sisters’ Stories series, we wanted to tell you about two of the participants in our popular girls’ hygiene workshops.
The sessions provide girls with sustainable menstrual care solutions and health education, so that they are empowered to thrive in society with dignity, mobility and opportunity.
According to UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, at least 500 million girls and women lack adequate facilities for managing their periods. Though still taboo in many parts of the world, menstrual health is a topic that affects every woman and girl. It has a long-term impact on education, economics, public health and societal norms, but inadequate facilities and education, poverty and cultural sensitivities combine to reduce available resources in this area. It is even harder for women and girls living in IDP or refugee camps.
That’s where our workshops step in. Made possible with support from the Presbyterian Church USA, the educational classes offer awareness about menstrual management, while support from our partners at Operation Hope Australia means we also provide essential Days for Girls reusable kits. Packaged in brightly-coloured bags, the DfG kits contain pads which are washable, reusable, and built to last.
Elissa is a 12-year-old who lives at Essyan camp, and after participating in the workshops she says: “This is the first time I’ve received this kind of education, and I’ve learnt a lot about my body and its development. The kit is beautiful and easy to use. I love it."
For many girls, discussing a girl’s monthly period is off-limits, and they are subsequently surprised when it happens in their early teens. Unsure of how to deal with it, they are ashamed to ask questions or purchase supplies. In fact, during a previous assessment we carried out, we learned that girls miss one week of school per month while having their period; or 10 weeks every school year on average.
Another girl we’re happy to have supported is Bizaar, who is 13 and also living at Essyan camp. She says: “This education is crucial for us. Nobody gave me this information before. I really liked learning how periods are normal, and how they can differ from month to month. I use the beautiful kit when I can’t afford disposable sanitary pads, and I think it’s great.”
Please do support us so we can ensure even more girls have everything they need for safe, effective menstrual hygiene…