In today’s rapidly advancing world, we must ask ourselves: Are we all progressing together? Are men and women from diverse backgrounds growing side by side? Gone are the days when we had to miss classes due to menstruation, or when we could only hear about computers and Information Communication Technology (ICT) without having the opportunity to use them. There were times when we admired our friends who had access to computers, knew how to type, and could communicate using various technological gadgets. Watching and hearing about ICT from afar was truly painful. Although many have access to ICT education now, especially actual computers, visiting the most rural and underserved communities reveals that there is still much work to be done.
We live in an era where girls and women can use sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and tampons instead of mere pieces of cloth for a comfortable menstrual flow. However, it’s disheartening to see that many girls, who aspire to be agents of change in the world, are still limited by a lack of necessary materials during menstruation. Focusing solely on cities means neglecting the vital work needed to provide equal opportunities for all women, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for participating fully in socio-economic activities, including attending classes comfortably.
One of the most distressing aspects of menstruation is experiencing leaks that stain clothes, especially when sitting in class or any public place, only to realise the embarrassment after standing. Such incidents can cause a deep sense of shame that lingers, particularly in co-educational settings. This embarrassment can disrupt girls’ concentration in their studies, leading many in rural and underserved communities to avoid school and public activities during menstruation to escape long-term mental distress.
It’s heart breaking to engage with girls who don’t know how to use a pad. What initially seemed like a joke turned out to be a painful reality. Yes, we are advancing, but is everyone moving forward? We have equal access to education, but does everyone have the necessary resources to fully benefit from it? As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” At Triple A Foundation, together with our partners, we strive to ensure that young women live dignified lives filled with joy as they age.
Therefore, let’s stand together, men, women, boys, and girls, and say no to period stigma and any form of torture. Let’s be cooperative and supportive of each other. Happy International Women’s Day!
