Support for menstrual health for girls in India

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