My role in combating period poverty and menstrual sustainability began with a movie, PadMan. This biographical film told the story of a man in India who transformed menstrual hygiene by creating affordable pads for his wife and community. The movie portrayed a reality that seemed so distant from my own experiences growing up that I couldn’t fathom how something as basic as menstrual hygiene could be such a significant challenge for many women.

However, after watching PadMan, my father shared a family story with me. He spoke about his sisters who used rags as makeshift pads and kept their periods hidden from the men in their lives, including him. This moment made me realize that the stigma and challenges surrounding menstruation, while we may not initially see it, are widespread and impact those closest to us.

Inspired by this realization, I began this project, with the hope to combat period poverty, provide economical and sustainable product options, and destigmatize menstruation. At the heart of my project is the belief that by breaking the silence and normalizing conversations about periods, wecan break down the obstacles that make it difficult to get menstrual hygiene products and information.

An inspiration in my journey has been Project Naveli, a global initiative dedicated to menstrual equity and empowerment. The advocacy efforts of Project Naveli have showcased the transformative power of community-driven initiatives in addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual health.

To address these issues in my community, I began by organizing educational sessions aimed at raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. These sessions provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing individuals to discuss menstruation without shame or stigma. In addition to community sessions, I started writing these blog posts to spread my message and reach a wider audience.

Recently, my efforts were recognized when I was awarded a $2,000 grant by National Geographic to expand my project. This grant not only provided financial support, but also validated the importance of addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual equity on a global scale.

Looking forward, I am committed to continuing my advocacy and activism. My ultimate goal is to contribute to a world where menstruation is viewed not as a taboo but as a natural and healthy part of life. Through ongoing education, advocacy, and community engagement, I hope to create sustainable solutions that ensure every person has access to hygienic menstrual products.