My name is Barbara, and I am 14 years old. I was born in Uganda, East Africa. The story that I share today is also a story shared by half of the world’s population.
Sanitary pad and
story
#MenstruationMatters
#SchoolMatters
On the first day of my first menstrual period, my friend had to tie her sweater around my waist to conceal the blood stains on my skirt. I had to leave school early on that day.
cannot attend school during her menstrual period.
#A Piece Of Old Cloth,
My first sanitary pad
A piece of old and dirty cloth that my grandma gave me was my first sanitary pad. Since my first menstrual period, I am still trying to find a better option for sanitary pads.
increase girls’ exposure to various infectious diseases.
#No Sanitary Pad No girl’s rights
I cannot go to school during my period. 5 days per month, I miss 2 months of school life each year.
Some girls are excluded from the rights
Sanitary pads are too expensive to buy.
Although we are well aware that it may hurt our bodies,
there are no other options for us.
I did so then, so does she now.
· Average household income in Kimasa, Uganda is UGX 30,000 (USD 10)
· A pack of sanitary pads (7ea) is UGX 3,000 (USD 1) : One-tenth of household income
The story of Barbara is about human rights being disregarded ever since Barbara’s grandmother’s generation, or even generations before.
Still a lot of girls have to give up their dignity due to limited access to hygiene products and proper sanitation.
Give sanitary gifts to girls so they can keep their precious rights.
Good Neighbors is striving to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in cooperation with United Nations.
