Support for menstrual health for girls in India

"No more ignorance on periods - let's talk freely! It's a symbol of good health. Now, I have decided to spread this message to as many women as I can. I do not feel ashamed when I menstruate even I feel much proud of myself. Thanks to the team Smiley Days for providing knowledge and changing our mindsets towards a healthy reproductive process", said Seema (name changed).  

Ignorance leads to problems that otherwise could have been avoided. Seema was one such person who was ignorant about periods that caused herself various difficulties. She was unfamiliar with the existence of a biological process called the Menstrual Cycle. She was shy and ignorant about periods until her mother introduced it to her when she attained menarche at the age of 12. She faced difficulty in using sanitary napkins but only after her cousin taught her the correct way of using it, she found it manageable.

However, the major issue she faced due to lack of proper knowledge was the misconception of irregular periods. Not only Seema but also her mother was unable to guide her. Seema skipped periods for one year after menarche and as a consequence, she consulted a doctor. She was in depression for not having her periods regular. She was unable to concentrate on her studies and other works. 

Team Smiley Days tried to educate her during the awareness workshop that after first period, Menstrual Cycle takes some time to become normal and regular. Apart from this, we informed her about some crucial aspects related to menstrual health, hygiene and its management. In the process of taking feedback, we came to know that her periods are regular now and she is very thankful to the organization for assistance.

Thanks to all for your support!

 Regards,

Team IDF

Most people will remember their first period, and for some, it is an unforgettable experience. On our journey to spread education and knowledge on female reproductive health, we reached out to adolescent girls and women to share their first-period stories.

Sonia, 14 years (name changed) shared her story, “I love to study so I go to the school regularly. I hardly take leaves. But a few months ago, I didn’t go to school. My parents were surprised by my sudden behaviour. The reason was my first period had started. I wanted to share it with my mother but I was scared and my lips were blocked because my lower was spoiled along with the red stain on my bedsheet too.

My mother came to me that morning to ask me the reason for not going to school. I wasn't controlling my tears and ran to her and screamed: “Sorry mom, my dress is spoiled and I don’t know what happened to me”. My mother hugged me and kissed me on my forehead and took a sanitary napkin for me.

The next day, she took me to the SMILEY DAYS centre for counselling. Thanks to the counsellor didi who described everything and motivated me to be happy even during periods also. Now I go to the school even my periods too”.

There are many girls like Sonia who don’t know about their first periods and become scared when they get it.  It is really very important to teach girls from a young age that periods are not a negative thing, but instead a unique part of what makes women and girls so powerful.

Our Smiley Days team regularly conducts educational sessions on periods in schools and communities and tries to make this topic more common.

Thanks to our supporters who are changing lives and creating an educated & empowered world for women and girls.

If you are not yet a recurring donor, we warmly invite you to consider a monthly donation. Even a few dollars a month will go a long way. Consistent support is the key as this is the best way to ensure ongoing impact.

Thank you so much!

Regards,

Team IDF