It all started with a period...π©πΌβπΎπ§π½π§πΎβπ¬
Menstruation Education & Period Poverty
Dear ReWilder,
βI was part of a gang that used to bully girls, I didn't know the effect, until my sister got bullied because of the blood that was on her skirt while in class. This laughter and embarrassment, she felt so small, she felt school was no longer home, and is why she never went back to school.β
As a young boy, Derrick saw how badly his younger sister was affected by the lack of education around menstruation. Now, with help from Mastercard Foundationβs education initiative, his unique and fun workshops are inspiring young people to understand how periods are a very normal part of life - how they should be respected, how to manage them, and how to make your own pad with basic materials.Β
A word from Meg at ReWild Africa
I totally ugly cried while asking questions during the first interview that we had with Derrick. I donβt think a story has ever made me so emotional. The fact that I didnβt reeeally understand what the phrase βperiod povertyβ meant before going into this, made me feel all kinds of nausea. But, there are so many women all around the world that are so crippled by this devastating phrase every single month.Β
Quite honestly, I was going through my menstrual cycle while on this production. The lack of facilities, sanitation, and running water was heartbreakingly challenging. Experiencing this struggle first hand, although it was just for one cycle, allowed me to truly empathise for the woman that has to go through this every single month here⦠and then get bullied at school.
The domino effect that period poverty and period bullying has on so many women is quite extreme: from a simple period, to no money for sanitary products, to school bullying for stained skirts, to missed school to avoid the bullying, to a missed education from skipping so much school every month, eventually resulting in unemployment and poverty. Itβs a vicious cycle, but Iβm hopeful that it can be solved.
ReWild Africa was commissioned by BBC StoryWorks and Mastercard Foundation to go to Kyotera, Uganda. Not only is there a lack of resources for sanitary products, but also a lack of education around menstruation. The journey to solutions to ecological restoration is found in the communities across this continent, and the more we are able to uplift and empower communities to deal with inequalities such as healthcare, gender inequalities, education and food, the more we will be able to have engaged leaders such as Derrick and Jovia who are going above and beyond.Β
βThe energy a man brings into a room, speaking about matters relating to sexual reproductive health, breaks the mentality of it being unspeakable, it being a taboo, it makes it a matter of all genders.βΒ
The MasterCard Foundation Scholarship has provided Derrick the opportunity to transform and mentor the community. This is helping to rid the stigma away and provide boys with the opportunity to stand for girls within their community.Β
Itβs so motivating and inspiring that people like Derrick and Jovia are out there, trying their best to stop the first domino from dropping.Β Β
SO. Never take your sanitary care for granted! Buy someone a pad! Help period projects where you can, because the difference that they are making is far beyond just a tampon!
*Period poverty is when young girls and women cannot afford to manage their periods.
What can you do?Β π
Donate to organisations like Menstruation Foundation and Project Dignity who provide period products to women in need in South AfricaΒ
Find a local project in your area that is helping to uplift young girls and women out of period poverty and get involved!
TALK about periods - they are beautiful things that provide the platform for all human life, letβs destigmatize periods!Β
Be mindful of women in your workplace and how having a period might be a difficult time of the month for her. Everyoneβs experience of periods is different, ask women in your life how you can support them while they are menstruating!Β
News from ReWild Africa π¦
ReWildβs first independent docu-series Protectors, has been given the green light for our pilot episode, Dressing the Princess! A HUGE thank you to all the amazing partners that have come on board to make this dream a reality!
Meg & Jay are heading to Uganda next week to tell a story about the importance of water treatment and access to clean water. More to follow soon.
Ale & Mattea are off to Kariega Game Reserve next week to tell a story about how technology and cameras can assist with anti-poaching, reintroducing species, and monitoring conservation efforts.
Wild Regards,
Team ReWild Africa