Menstruation means no shame for local girls
The Ilizwe Future Bridge Builders in Eldorado Park Extension 8 recently held a menstrual hygiene awareness event which honoured the day which is recognised internationally.
It is reported that 1.6 to 2.1 days of school are missed every month by 50 to 70 percent of young girls who are on their periods and are unable to afford sanitary care.
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The Ilizwe Future Bridge Builders in Eldorado Park Extension 8 recently held a menstrual hygiene awareness event which honoured the day which is recognised internationally.
The day saw young girls between the ages of ten and 17 gathered at Go Green receiving education and engagements with the facilitators on how to take care of themselves, especially when they are on their periods.
According to one of the members of Ilizwe Future Bridge Builders, Mercy Slaffa, their theme for this year was focused on making bracelets with the girls to affirm and declare that there is no shame in menstruation.
“We have also become more aware of the needs of girls in our own community who don’t have access to menstrual products when ‘that time’ of the month comes knocking at the door,” said Slaffa.
“We also realised that working together as communities and organisations we can do more since there are various open minded organisations and individuals that continue to support the cause of reaching out to our communities.”
Slaffa added that as an organisation they walk away knowing that they have built a bridge in at least one young girl’s life who can now view the onset of her menstrual cycle differently.
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Girls received packages which included sanitary towels, soaps and enjoyed sharing a meal together with the team as they opened up about how being in this stage of their lives has impacted them.
Parents also came in numbers to be part of the day, Slaffa said that when they asked mothers who were in attendee what they wish their parents had told them before having their period, one of the mothers said not be scared.
“We are urging more sponsors to come on board and provide donations to make it possible for Bridge Builder to keep its feet on the ground and continue with providing education, awareness and making an impact in the lives of those in need. We are also grateful for those who came on board to assist us,” added Slaffa.
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