Support for menstrual health for girls in India

Menstruation should be discussed openly...

Once again we are pleased to share the First Period Story from our ground.

Most girls and women remember their first period, and for some, it was an unforgettable experience. On our journey of Smiley Days Project to spread education and knowledge on female reproductive health or MHM, we reached out to adolescent girls and women to share their first-period stories with the team.

Suman, 13 years (name changed) shared her story, “I love to study so I go to the school regularly. I hardly skip school. But a few months ago, I didn’t go to school. My parents were surprised by my sudden behaviour. They thought that I was losing interest in my studies. But the truth was my menarche; as my first periods started. I wanted to share it with my mother but I was scared and my lips were locked because one morning, my lower was spoiled along with the red stain on my bed sheet too. I was scared that if my mother scolded me for the mess.”

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

The next day, she took me to the SMILEY DAYS resource 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 school even my periods too”.

There are many girls like Suman who are unaware of their first periods and become scared when they get it and they hide the truth from everyone. But in reality, they need much support, motivation and proper knowledge that time to deal with the periods’ issues with confidence. 

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