Who cares about menstrual health education?
Well, we do! Why? Studies have shown that such education helps people:
- Better manage symptoms
- Prevent negative health outcomes and identify menstrual disorders early
- Control pregnancy
- Increase school attendance and participation
- Increase participation in sports
- Avoid negative social or emotional effects of PMS and menstruation
- Feel more confident and comfortable about their periods
- Remove the stigma around periods
- Contribute to gender equality
- Become menstrual equity advocates
In Virginia, there is no state requirement for public schools to offer students education around menstrual health. While most Virginia schools have family life classes, a recent study showed that almost half of teens felt confused and unprepared when they started their first period; two-thirds felt scared.
In Uganda, the situation is even worse. Many menstruators drop out of school entirely once puberty begins.
Our Educational Programming
1. Educational brochures
We partnered with Virginia Physicians for Women to write informative brochures about menstrual health, which we regularly distribute to the public at resource and community fairs. Our menstrual health education brochures explain what symptoms to expect during your period, describe different types of period products, and answer FAQs like “Can I bathe or swim during my period?”
2. Online learning portal
You can find more detailed menstrual health information in “Let’s Talk Periods,” our online learning portal. Both our printed and online materials were co-written by our partner Virginia Physicians for Women.
3. Interactive classes
Our menstrual health educational sessions are led by a qualified nursing professional who discusses basic anatomy and demonstrates proper usage of period products. These classes provide a safe space for attendees to ask questions about this normal biological function and have open discussions that help spread awareness of period poverty.
Are you a school or non-profit interested in hosting a menstrual health class for the people you serve? Email information@sylviassisters.org.
Let’s Talk Periods.
Everything you wanted to know about your period in one place.
In Uganda
We financially support Sylvia in her efforts to teach young women and other community leaders about the importance of menstrual health, clean water, sanitation, and activism, in two ways:
- Sylvia teaches a class on the the basics of menstrual health to all students whenever and wherever she distributes AFRIpad kits.
- Sylvia runs multi-day seminars for community leaders many times each year, emphasizing the importance of menstrual health education, access to clean water and more.
