By Jyoti Singh | Senior Consultant
Most of the girls will remember their first period, and for some, it is an unforgettable experience. On IDF’s journey to spread education and knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene, we reached out to adolescent girls and women to share their first-period stories.
Kanak, 13 years old (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 and relatives were surprised by my sudden behaviour change. The reason was my first period had started. It was a winter morning; I got up early as I did. But that morning shocked me when I saw my pants were spoiled, there were red spots on them. I wanted to share it with my mother but I was scared and my lips were blocked because my pant was spoiled along with the red stain on my bed sheet too. I thought it was something very serious with me; I might be caught in some disease and more. I decided to not go to school that morning”.
“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 kissed me on my forehead and handed me a sanitary napkin”.
“The next day, she took me to the IDF’s resource centre for counselling. Thanks to the counselor Didi who described everything and motivated me to be happy even during periods also. Now I go to school even during my periods too. Thank you IDF team for making me comforted and educating me about periods”.
Many girls like Kanak don’t know about their first periods and become scared when they get it. It is very important to educate girls from a young age that periods are the symbol of good health and show that menstruating girls are healthy.
Our Smiley Days team regularly conducts educational sessions on periods in schools and communities and tries to make this topic more common.
We will continue to keep you updated about our work, events, and story of change.
Many thanks again for your support and for changing the lives of many girls through MHM education.
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
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