I was born and raised in a community where menstruation and everything about sexual and reproductive health is taboo. No one discusses such issues openly. Only a few people discuss them and educate their children behind closed doors. These are people from middle class or wealthy families, or educated mothers.
In my country The Gambia, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate facilities (clean water, toilets, dustbins) for menstrual hygiene management at home, community markets, schools, and workplaces is and continues to be a major problem. I went through puberty without access to adequate knowledge about periods and other sexual or reproductive health issues that affect adolescents. I never had anyone to discuss my period with, how to take care of myself, manage my cramps, or anyone to buy sanitary pads for me. Since I was born in an extended family, my parents struggled to feed us and ensure we all had quality education.
I used to save part of the money my parents gave me to buy food during break at school to buy sanitary pads every month. The pads I bought were never enough or of good quality because I could only afford the cheapest. Getting money to buy pads was difficult, however, walking in a shop in my community to buy pads was the most challenging part.
My story is not unique. Period poverty affects many less privileged women and girls around the world. As a nurse, I used my knowledge, skills, and experience to start Girls’ Pride, a social enterprise that provides reusable sanitary pads, pantyliners, and period panties. I also train women and girls on menstrual hygiene management, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) instructors, and hold courses on sanitary pad production. In addition, I am working on storybooks and games to teach school girls and people in The Gambia about period poverty. Through this initiative, I hope to keep girls in schools during their periods. When a girl is able to complete her education, achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer or scientist, she will contribute to national development and empower other girls.
As a feminist, I dream of a world where adolescents, women, and men all have equal access to sexual and reproductive health products and services without any form of discrimination.
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