Full Bloom’s Post

Today, May 28th is Menstrual Health Day. Women and individuals who menstruate in Canada can face barriers in accessing menstrual products, hygiene facilities and education regarding menstrual health. They experience what is called menstrual poverty. Some of the factors influencing menstrual poverty levels include: • financial limitations; • location; • lack of education about menstrual health; • lack of access to clean water; and • lack of access to clean and safe spaces to manage menstruation.   Menstrual poverty can have negative consequences for individuals who are affected, such as having to miss school or work because of a lack of menstrual products.” LET’S TALK ABOUT IT, PERIOD: ACHIEVING MENSTRUAL EQUITY IN CANADA, Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women Did you know; * One in four Canadian women & individuals who menstruate (25%) have been forced to make the decision between purchasing menstrual products and purchasing other essentials such as food or rent within the last year.   * Among those who menstruate aged 18 - 24, half (51%) have felt the need to hide that they are on their period even when they are at home.   * Most individuals who menstruate have been held back from participating in daily activities due to their period, mostly due to period pain or discomfort. https://lnkd.in/eRXkg22r #menstrualequity #periodepoverty #mensturalhealthday2024 #stigma #equity #access #letstalkperiods

🇬🇭 #POSITIVEPERIODS PROJECT GHANA 🇬🇭 Period poverty is a serious issue in Ghana, where many women and girls struggle to access affordable and hygienic menstrual products. This lack of access can have negative impacts on their health, education, and overall well-being. In Ghana, factors like cultural taboos, limited sanitation facilities, and high costs of menstrual products contribute to period poverty. Women and girls facing period poverty often resort to using unhygienic materials like rags or leaves, putting their health at risk. The stigma around menstruation can lead to social isolation and affect their self-esteem. Additionally, the inability to afford menstrual products can result in missed school days, hindering their education and future opportunities. In Ghana, not always having access to clean water exacerbates the challenges of managing menstruation. Some girls are forced to engage in risky behaviors, such as exchanging sex for money to buy pads, leading to increased risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. Your support for the #positiveperiods project can make a difference by providing free pads to those in need in Ghana. By donating to this cause, you can help ensure that women and girls have access to safe menstrual products, promoting their health, dignity, and education. Together, we can work towards breaking the cycle of period poverty and empowering women and girls in Ghana. To donate to the #positiveperiods project, please visit: https://gofund.me/9aac0bf7

The Wait is Over! Imagine a world where no girl has to miss school because of a natural part of life - their period. Imagine the confidence and dignity that comes with knowing you have access to safe and sustainable period products. Imagine the freedom to pursue your dreams without being held back by something as natural as menstruation. For months, my team and I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this vision a reality. We have heard the stories of girls forced to use unhygienic menstrual materials and have suffered in silence, and of communities where period poverty has held them back. And we knew we had to act. Today, we're thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership that will change the game! Our #RedTentProject's Pad Drive has joined forces with UNFPA Lagos United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Health Volunteers Nigeria Initiative, House of AnnieJ (HoA), YALI Network Lagos, and The Youth Evolve which are like-minded organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls worldwide. Together, we are launching a revolutionary initiative to tackle period poverty and bring menstrual health to the forefront. As we anticipate this World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, we are not just raising awareness - we're taking action! Our partnership will bring: - Access to sustainable period products for thousands of young girls - Education and awareness to break the stigma surrounding menstruation - Empowerment and confidence for young girls to reach their full potential - Community engagement and mobilization to create lasting change We are proud to be part of a movement that is breaking down barriers and pushing for progress. Join us in celebrating this milestone and be part of the change! Share this news with your network and let's create a ripple effect of impact! Together, we can create a world where every young girl can thrive, without being held back by something as natural as their period. #TheRedTentProject #PadDrive #MenstrualHealthMatters #PartnershipForChange #PeriodPoverty #MofetoluwaAransiola #HumanitarianConsultant

🇬🇭 #POSITIVEPERIODS PROJECT GHANA 🇬🇭 Period poverty is a serious issue in Ghana, where many women and girls struggle to access affordable and hygienic menstrual products. This lack of access can have negative impacts on their health, education, and overall well-being. In Ghana, factors like cultural taboos, limited sanitation facilities, and high costs of menstrual products contribute to period poverty. Women and girls facing period poverty often resort to using unhygienic materials like rags or leaves, putting their health at risk. The stigma around menstruation can lead to social isolation and affect their self-esteem. Additionally, the inability to afford menstrual products can result in missed school days, hindering their education and future opportunities. In Ghana, not always having access to clean water exacerbates the challenges of managing menstruation. Some girls are forced to engage in risky behaviors, such as exchanging sex for money to buy pads, leading to increased risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. Your support for the #positiveperiods project can make a difference by providing free pads to those in need in Ghana. By donating to this cause, you can help ensure that women and girls have access to safe menstrual products, promoting their health, dignity, and education. Together, we can work towards breaking the cycle of period poverty and empowering women and girls in Ghana. To donate to the #positiveperiods project, please visit: https://gofund.me/9aac0bf7

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 In Nigeria, 38% of women still lack access to sanitary products. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious issue affecting their education, livelihoods, and health. When a girl misses school because she can’t afford a pad, or a woman skips work due to inadequate menstrual care, the consequences ripple far beyond the individual. It’s a challenge that holds entire communities back. Period poverty doesn’t just impact women’s hygiene—it impacts their dignity. Using makeshift materials like rags or newspaper puts them at risk of infections, while also forcing them to endure the stigma around menstruation. The reality is harsh: 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨: - 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: We need to talk more about period poverty and its effects on women’s lives. The more people understand, the faster we can push for change. - 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: From donating sanitary products to contributing to organizations addressing menstrual inequality, every effort counts. - 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: It’s time for our government and institutions to prioritize menstrual health, making sanitary products accessible and affordable for all. Ending period poverty isn’t just about hygiene—𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙. Let’s work together to make sure no one is left behind simply because of their period. Learn more about Period health at www.blossomflow.org Remember, with just #2,500 you can make a difference in a girl's life. Kindly hit the link below to make your donations. https://lnkd.in/dZMvGhKA #PeriodEquity #EndPeriodPoverty #MenstrualHealthMatters #Period #Nigeria

🌍✨ Advocacy and Research: Empowering Change Across Borders ✨🌍 As 2024 approaches, I reflect on a year of transformative impact and learning. From hands-on advocacy to academic exploration, each experience has deepened my commitment to creating sustainable solutions for marginalized communities. 🎥 Documentary: Bridging the Gap in Menstrual Poverty Link: https://lnkd.in/edBTGedE I am thrilled to share my documentary on menstrual poverty in Ghana, inspired by BBC research identifying Ghana as one of the most affected countries. This project highlights efforts to tackle this issue through education, advocacy, and resource provision while giving a voice to the young women affected. 🎯 Key Takeaways from the Project: Partnered with local changemakers to distribute menstrual health resources to underserved communities funded by Lord Rootes Fund through Warwick Enterprise (University of Warwick) by Advocating for policy changes to improve access to menstrual health education. Leveraged storytelling to amplify awareness and mobilize action. 📚 Master’s Research: The Medicalization of Childbirth At the University of Warwick, I conducted research on the medicalization of childbirth, examining its impact on healthcare systems and women’s autonomy. This work has been an honour and a fulfilling journey, providing me with a deeper understanding of systemic healthcare challenges and opportunities to champion equitable healthcare policies. 🔗 What I Bring to the Table: Global Perspective: Having worked on projects addressing period poverty and healthcare challenges in Ghana, I understand the intersection of local needs and global policy. Advocacy in Action: My work focuses on empowering marginalized groups through capacity-building, education, and sustainable advocacy strategies. Dedication to Impact: From grassroots initiatives to research, I strive to create scalable solutions that make a lasting difference. 📢 Looking Ahead: I am eager to expand my advocacy and humanitarian impact by collaborating with organizations like yours. Whether in global advocacy, research, or policy innovation, I am ready to contribute my skills and experiences to create equitable solutions for underserved populations. Let’s connect, collaborate, and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Your feedback on my documentary would be invaluable! 🌟 Here’s to ending the year with gratitude and stepping boldly into 2025, ready to drive change on a larger scale. 🌟 #Advocacy #GlobalHealth #HumanitarianImpact #EquityForAll #MenstrualHealth

In Kenya and East Africa, girls face significant struggles related to menstrual hygiene, which exacerbates their vulnerability to trafficking. The key challenges include: Lack of Access to Menstrual Products: Many girls cannot afford sanitary pads or tampons, leading to school absenteeism and dropping out, which increases their risk of trafficking and poverty. Stigmatization and Lack of Education: Cultural taboos and a lack of education around menstruation contribute to misinformation and shame, further isolating girls. Poor Sanitation Facilities: Inadequate access to clean and private sanitation facilities in schools and public places forces girls into unsafe environments. Impact on Trafficking: Increased Vulnerability: Girls who drop out of school due to menstrual challenges are more likely to be trafficked, as they become economically and socially marginalized. Exploitation: Traffickers exploit the lack of menstrual hygiene products, offering them in exchange for labor or sexual favors. I Recommend: Improving Access to Menstrual Products: Government and NGO Initiatives: Distribution of free or subsidized sanitary products. Community Projects: Local production of affordable, reusable menstrual products. Education and Awareness: School Programs: Integrating menstrual health education into the curriculum. Public Campaigns: Addressing stigma and misinformation through media and community outreach. Enhanced Sanitation Facilities: Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining clean and private sanitation facilities in schools and public areas. Policy Implementation: Ensuring enforcement of policies that mandate adequate menstrual hygiene management. Economic Empowerment: Vocational Training: Providing skills and education to girls to improve their economic prospects and reduce their vulnerability to trafficking. Microfinance and Support: Enabling women-led businesses that produce menstrual hygiene products. #MenstrualHygieneMatters #SafePeriodsSafeLives #EmpowerKenyanGirls #StopTheCycle #PolicyChangeNow #HumanRightsFirst Gloria Orwoba The Malkia Initiative Girl Child Network Kenya Hope Beyond Foundation AMREF ChildFund Kenya Nice Place Foundation RAHT Kenya Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART Kenya) IOM - UN Migration Tushinde Children's Trust Orchid Project Refugee Legal Networks Watoto Coding

📌RED, of course is the colour of the interior of our bodies.. In a way it's inside out, RED..... It's interesting how the colour red can trigger different thoughts and emotions, especially when it comes to menstruation. It's a natural part of being a woman and can even be a source of empowerment in some cultures. For many girls and women, their monthly period can be seen as a positive thing, as it often signifies physical health and the ability to bear children. But for others, menstruation can be a challenging time due to various reasons such as lack of access to proper menstrual products, painful cramps, heavy bleeding, or even cultural taboos that make them feel embarrassed or ashamed. Anyway, it's that time of the year again when conversations about menstruation are in full swing, and it's heartwarming to see efforts being made by individuals like Ayomiposi Ogundipe and organizations support girls and women during this period. As usual, she is doing a great job for a total of 200 teenage girls in Abuja, while at our NGO, @Pure Impact Inspirational Network we are still committed to donating 1000 sanitary pads to girls in Lagos, Ibadan, and Osogbo in the western parts of Nigeria. As we approach the D-DAY on the 28th, you may be wondering what you can do to make a significant impact, too. Of course you can donate to any NGO working on the Menstrual Hygiene project, empower girls and women with knowledge about menstruation, and raise awareness about the topic. Let's work together to make this day an unforgettable experience. How do you plan to show your support to the girls and women around you? Please share your comments 👇 Elizabeth Adekoya is open to connections, professional metworks and more that involves visionary individuals and projects, follow for more tips. #mhd #menstrualhygiene #Inspirationalleader #ngo #girlchild #empowerment #socialentrepreneur #piin #impact

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Period Poverty and Empowering Women Everywhere Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, impacting millions of women and girls worldwide. For some, it’s a mere inconvenience. For others, it’s a barrier to education, dignity, and opportunity. At Maria’s Care Foundation, we are committed to eliminating period poverty in Ghana. Period poverty is the lack of access to essential menstrual products, education, and sanitation, which disproportionately affects women and girls in low-income and crisis-affected areas. This global health dilemma leaves millions vulnerable to inequalities, injustice, and preventable health risks. Here are some startling facts: 📊 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school due to menstruation. 📊 Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities increases risks of infections and social exclusion. But the impact goes beyond these numbers. Period poverty keeps young girls away from their potential, holding back communities and generations. At Maria’s Care Foundation, we see the transformation that happens when menstrual equity is prioritized. For example: 🌟 Meet Abena Abena, a 14-year-old from a rural Ghanaian community, used to miss a week of school every month. After receiving sanitary pads and attending one of our educational workshops, she hasn’t missed a day in six months. Her grades are improving, and her confidence is soaring. Together, we can: Educate communities on menstrual health. Provide free sanitary products to girls in need. Advocate for systemic change to make menstrual hygiene a right, not a privilege. Let’s break the silence and empower girls like Abena to chase their dreams—without limits. 👉 Want to join us in this mission? Here’s how you can help: Partner with Us: Collaborate to make a sustainable impact. Spread the Word: Share this post to amplify the message. #PeriodPoverty #MenstrualEquity #GirlsEducation #GhanaRises