Vital community education for a 'lost generation'

Thank you so much for your support of this project.  This report is from Judith Chelangat who is the Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) coordinator for schools and youth.

The SRHR element of this project empowers young people with education, information and practical resources. It encourages communities to talk about topics and issues that will protect young girls and women from harmful practices such as child marriages, unwanted pregnancies and gender-based violence.

In the past, menstruation was handled in secret, a whispered topic. But now, thanks to your support, the girls are not just talking about it—they're shouting it from the roof tops!  Menstrual Health is the ‘hot topic’ in the village of Motobo where the community recently worked with Brighter Communities Worldwide to Say No to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and break free from the chains of taboos and myths.

As part of our FGM Abandonment programme, Brighter Communities Worldwide work with communities to provide an Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) 5 day course for girls.  The course provides the girls with the opportunity to learn about SRHR, menstrual health, cultural wisdom and traditions and other topics with the backing of the community and without undergoing FGM.

The girls from Motobo village say the ARP course was a game-changer. With infectious enthusiasm, the participants shared that, "Brighter Communities Worldwide came into our village and enlightened us about menstrual health. It was like a secret nobody dared to speak about, but now, there is no fear. We have learned how to use reusable pads and make our own sanitary products.  Life is wow!"  

100 Girls were reached and each received a Reusable Sanitary Starter Kit containing underwear, soap, liners, information pamphlet and cotton reusable pads. They learned how to use them, take care of them and how to make more sanitary pads themselves using locally available material e.g. cotton t-shirts. This gives the girls a sustainable solution and allows them independence.

Brighter Communities Worldwide has transformed the narrative around menstruation, turning it into a natural and empowering process. We not only provide factual and reliable information but we are also breaking down negative taboos and ensuring everyone can openly discuss menstruation.

Imagine girls and women going through their periods with dignity and pride, armed with knowledge and the ability to manage their menstrual health safely. In addition, it is not just the ladies .. boys and men are joining the conversation, supporting their counterparts with a newfound understanding

Here is to breaking barriers, empowering girls and making menstruation a topic worth celebrating. Thank you for your part in making this happen.