When Period Shaming and Period Poverty meet
"A schoolgirl in Kenya has taken her own life after allegedly being shamed in class for having her period and staining her uniform." Shamed by her teacher.
That's both sad and infuriating. Period shaming and Period poverty showed their ugly faces, and this young girl became their victim.
That happened in Kenya, but it could very well happen in my community. And in yours.
Menstruation.
It's 2019, and we are still ashamed to talk about it. It's 2019, and it's still a huge taboo.
Many full-grown women are uncomfortable or disgusted (?!) with the subject. They giggle. They blush. They avoid it.
"My period is a normal body process, which shows that my body works as it should. I want it. I welcome it. I celebrate it."
Repeat that to yourself.
Let your daughters hear you talking freely about it.
Talk to your sons about it.
Menstruation is not a choice. It is what it is, and it is normal.
The second aspect is the Period Poverty.
Menstrual products are not "beauty products". They are hygiene products. Using them is not a choice or luxury; it's a necessity.
If you struggle with your finances, reusables are the right choice for you. If you can't buy a reusable, make yourself one. If you don't know how to, reach out.
If you are someone in this situation or know someone who's in this situation, reach out.
If you want to join us in our cause, reach out.
For us, it was always about more than just period protection solutions. It's about empowering women to keep being themselves and to embrace their own body with all its processes.
And today we've got a reminder.
