Positive reaction to newly formed, Positive Periods project

FOUNDERS of the Positive Periods Project, Kerry Frizelle and Mary-Anne Greenland are using their passion for mountain biking to help raise funds for their initiative.

Kerry first became aware of the fact that many girls in underprivileged areas do not attend school during their menstrual cycle because they do not have access to sanitary wear when a local NGO, We are Durban, made an appeal to the public to donate sanitary pads for distribution to these schools girls.

As a registered counselling psychologist and a lecturer in the area of sexual health in young people in the school of Psychology at UKZN, Kerry was particularly concerned to learn that one in ten schools girls in Africa either miss classes or drop out of school completely due to their menstrual cycle.

“It is estimated that as a result of not having access to sanitary wear girls in puberty can miss up to 20% of their school year. Loss of learning leads to girls falling behind in class which can lead to them dropping out completely. A girl who finishes school as a better chance at success,” said Kerry.

Kerry and Mary – Anne became motivated to do more especially as they felt the issue needed a multi pronged response. Not only did the girls need sanitary ware but emotionally they needed to be made to feel positive about their periods, hence the name of the newly established campaign, Positive Periods.

“We want them to celebrate this natural occurrence rather than feel ashamed and give them the self esteem, dignity and confidence that they need,” said Kerry.

Working in partnership with We Are Durban, the Project aims to provide sanitary wear; improve the toilet facilities so that the school girls have a safe and private place to change and dispose of their sanitary wear; and educate the learners about the female body and the menstrual cycle to dispel myths and stigmas. Kerry also plans to make this issue the focus of her PHD in order to establish how best they can achieve their goals and provide what is needed to the local communities.

“The menstrual cycle is an important part of a female’s reproductive health and, therefore, her sexual health. If we want to empower young women to develop a positive sexual health we have to ensure that experiences like the menstrual cycle are positive and healthy. If we improve school girls’ overall experience of their menstrual cycle we will improve not only their attendance at school, but also their overall sexual health,” explains Kerry.

To kick start awareness and funds for the cause, the pair took on the challenging 115km FedGroup Berg & Bush 2 day challenge on 19 and 20 October. They were sponsored per km by their supporters and finished a creditable18 out of 42 women’s teams and 294 overall out of 459 in a time of 8hr 21min 48s.

“Mary Anne and I had the most fantastic time! It was an incredible, wonderful and exhilarating experience. We both walked away with such a sense of gratitude for having the means to do a sport like this!”

The pair then organised a fundraising High Tea at Giba Gorge on 14 November. The event was well supported with walkers and cyclists exploring the new trail at Giba before enjoying a well deserved High Tea.

“There was a general sense of excitement and people were clearly concerned about the issue and pleased to hear how the event would make a difference in the lives of the young girls we will work with. We are very grateful to the DVC of Humanities at UKZN for sponsoring the tea and allowing us to keep the proceedings of the ticket sales for the project.”

So far they have managed to raise about R16 000 for their Project which Kerry explains is enough money to provide 79 girls with a re-usable period pack (Subz pack) which is designed and distributed by Sue Barnes for five years. Research will be done to see if this is feasible or whether a bio-degradable sanitary towel is a better solution.

“We would like to thank you everyone who has sponsored us, provided support and continues to support us.”

If you want to know more about the Positive Periods Project contact Kerry on 082 536 2927 or email info@positiveperiods.co.za.