“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Mother Theresa
🩸Did you know? On average, a woman menstruates for about seven years during their lifetime.
What is period poverty?
Period poverty is a social injustice where the financial constraints and societal stigma surrounding menstruation force individuals into a disempowering struggle, denying them access to essential menstrual hygiene products and perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
In Malawi, almost half of the population lives below the poverty line and 25 in every 100 people live in extreme poverty.
Q: How does period poverty affect individuals?
Limited access to sanitary products can lead to unhygienic practices, increasing the risk of infections and health complications. Lack of affordability and access forces women to use alternatives such as socks, dishrags, newspapers etc.
Inadequate access to menstrual products may force students to miss school during their periods, impacting their education and long-term prospects. If a girl misses school every time she has her period, she is 72 days behind her fellow male students. Period poverty can contribute to a cycle of disadvantage, limiting opportunities for education, employment, and overall social participation.
Q: Why should we stop period poverty?
Period poverty exacerbates existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities where resources and support are often scarcer. Stopping period poverty is important because it’s about ensuring that everyone has fair and equal access to something as fundamental as menstrual products. No one should face barriers to education, work, or well-being just because they can’t afford basic necessities during their period. It’s a matter of dignity, equality, and making sure everyone has the chance to thrive without unnecessary challenges.
Q: How can I help?
You can make a real impact by donating menstrual products to local organizations, spreading awareness on social media, or supporting initiatives that work towards menstrual equity. Every small effort adds up!
Join the conversation and raise awareness. For social media use hashtags “#endperiodpoverty” “FLOW” “#changethecycle”
Q: How can I support FLOW?
While we are not currently accepting donations, you can join our community where we will be advocating and supporting the revolution!
We will open donation channels and you can be part of our volunteers!
Let’s talk about the bloody issue, am I right?
Addressing period poverty requires an approach that includes improving access to affordable menstrual products, advocating for policy changes, promoting menstrual health education, and working towards destigmatizing menstruation. This collective effort aims to create a more equitable and supportive environment for individuals affected by period poverty.
We can make a difference!
Every voice matters, and together, we can break the silence surrounding menstruation, dismantle barriers, and ensure that everyone has dignified access to menstrual products and education. Let’s turn our advocacy into action.
🩸we bleed and don’t die🩸
For more information contact me (Myra), myraokumu@gmail.com
🩸Calling for Your Voice: Share Your Thoughts on Period Poverty!
Dear Community,
Your perspective is invaluable in our efforts to understand and combat period poverty. Please take a few moments to fill out our questionnaire. Your insights will contribute to raising awareness and making a real impact.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1ai7tNPEfQ0AEjvxkYvoIcKg-I3Vn0HL8DkdJKQCvokTfqA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&pli=1https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1ai7tNPEfQ0AEjvxkYvoIcKg-I3Vn0HL8DkdJKQCvokTfqA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&pli=1
Let’s come together and break the silence on period poverty. Every response brings us one step closer to a future where menstrual equity is a reality for all.
Please share this form!❤️🩸
Thank you for your time and support!
Myra Trudea Okumu 