I took a poll on reusable cloth pads on my Facebook page. The comments I got were rather interesting. Some of my friends knew little or nothing about them. Some (especially men) sent me messages telling me this is a private issue and if I want to talk about it, I should call a meeting with the girls and women rather than posting it in public. Shouldn't we talk of issues that affect us?

Menstruation is seen as women's issue in my country. The men don't involve themselves in this issue unless they are in the health sector or selling them. Its a taboo to talk about menstruation in public, when you raise the issue people shy away from contributing. They'd rather send a private message warning you not to post ”such issues” in public. When will we talk about issues that affect us, especially when girls miss five days of school because they cannot afford sanitary towels? Shouldn't we talk about it? I believe talking creates an awareness and shows people there is a need and will be compelled to focus on dealing with the issue and help keep our girls in school.

[caption id="attachment_3382" align="aligncenter" width="369"]983951_470167466405564_132904101_n Teacher Esther and girls from Misyini Primary School[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3383" align="aligncenter" width="362"]1278846_504966639592313_249574212_o Chief Ndoo accompanied us to Kivulu Primary School[/caption]

What I have learned during my stay here in US is to speak out, create an awareness and not be afraid of what others think. I speak menstruation matters because I am concerned about the girls who miss school and am looking for a sustainable way to provide for them sanitary towels. People out there don't know what is going on out there. People don't know girls use unhygienic methods during their menstruation. Well, it's about time I speak on their behalf and ask people to donate sanitary towels. To tell girls and women of the options that are out here, options that are safe, clean and sustainable. Let's involve all stakeholders, leaders both men and women, to support our girls.

I like the way we talk about anything in GladRags, talking about periods is seen as normal. I must say at first I felt uneasy talking about periods at my workplace. Here people are open and won't criticize, people respect your opinion.

So let's start the conversation about menstruation matters till every girl and woman can afford sanitary towels, not just any but has a choice to choose that which is safe and healthy for them. Let's make sure they live a stress free life any day of the month :)

Have A Lovely read!

Maureen

 

About the author of this post:

maureen

Maureen runs Donate A Pad Initiative, and is a Mandela Washington Fellow 2014, Young African Leader. She is passionate about empowering young girls to complete education and is a mentor. She loves telling her story to inspire people to reach out to their dreams and be more. "There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self."~Aldous Huxley