I must admit, as much as I like to think of myself as somebody who cares deeply and thinks about the world, some of the most obvious problems I miss, because it’s not something I’ve ever had to worry about.
There are so many things that we don’t have to think about on a day-to-day basis because we’re used to having all our needs met - by default, without having to do anything. Rarely do we stop to appreciate just how much we have, and how easy our lives are.
Simple things like not having to worry about where our next meal will come from, or not having to think about travelling distances just to get access to water. I must admit, as much as I like to think of myself as somebody who cares deeply and thinks about the world, some of the most obvious problems I miss, because it’s not something I’ve ever had to worry about.
One project really made me stop in my tracks. They’re solving an issue to something so obvious, and something that happens to at least half the world’s population, yet I would never have thought of it as being a problem, or at least one that would stop many girls around the world completing their education.
Yep, periods.
As girls, and as women, we all get them. Along with the physical act of menstruating, they come with a whole bunch of other symptoms which at times can feel debilitating. Growing up as I did, we learn from a young age what periods are, and have access to sanitary pads so easily, that besides the discomfort, it doesn’t disrupt our lives.
But what do girls do if they don’t have access to this? How can they go about their lives, when this is something, they must manage every month?
“Educating girls is so much more than equality in the classrooms. When we educate girls, we see communities thrive, economies strengthen, fundamental rights upheld and more action on critical issues like the climate crisis.” - So They Can
So They Can, are an organisation on a mission to change the future of children living in poverty, through education. They partner with schools across Africa to educate students, parents and community members about the importance of girls' rights and education.
One area of focus that they're addressing is Period Poverty. Through guidance and counselling on hygeine, menstruation, sexual health and HIV, education is an important asset for these girls. Making and distributing reusable pads, along with health education is at the heart of this program, and can radically improve a girl's attendance at school and improve her educational outcomes.
Amongst many programs, I'm seeing a theme in the importance of empowering young girls and women as a way to break generational poverty.
My eyes were opened through this project, and it makes me wonder how much more I'm missing, because I've always had access to certain things.
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