Supporting Girls with Menstrual Health Education and Reusable Pads

In Indonesia, and particularly in Bali, menstruation remains a significant challenge for women and girls, exacerbated by the pervasive issue of period poverty. Defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, proper sanitation facilities, and menstrual education, period poverty perpetuates a cycle of shame, stigma, and health risks among menstruators. Leaving an estimated 200,000 women and girls vulnerable to the effects of period poverty.

In the first phase, we aim to support 1,000 girls in Bali and to raise awareness about period poverty and menstrual health education in Indonesia. Our primary objective is to empower women and girls to manage their menstruation safely, with dignity, and without barriers. Through education and distribution of reusable pads, we aim to break the silence surrounding menstruation and equip girls with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate this natural aspect of life confidently. To fully implement the Period Power initiative, we require a budget of $AUD25,000.

Bali Children Foundation work together with Perfect Fit, a Bali-based start-up working to empower women & girls to have better menstrual health through innovative period products and education on women’s bodies, and Stella Worthington for her capstone project at Green School Bali. She is a student who is passionate about female empowerment and making an impact on her community. Together, we are addressing period poverty by providing reusable pads and education about the issue to school girls in Bali.

We aspire to cultivate a community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of women and girls. By fostering collaboration and engagement, we seek to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in addressing period poverty. Through collective action, we aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by menstruators in Indonesia and advocate for greater access to menstrual health education and resources. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society where menstruation is no longer a source of shame or stigma but rather a natural and celebrated aspect of womanhood.

1. Improved Health: Menstrual health education equips girls with essential knowledge about their bodies, hygiene practices, and menstrual cycle management, reducing the risk of reproductive health issues and infections. Access to reusable pads promotes safer menstrual hygiene practices, minimizing the risk of skin irritation and infections associated with traditional methods.
2. Enhanced School Attendance: Providing girls with menstrual products ensures they can attend school regularly, uninterrupted by menstruation. With access to reusable pads, girls no longer need to miss school due to lack of menstrual supplies, contributing to higher attendance rates and academic performance.
3. Empowerment and Confidence: Menstrual health education fosters a sense of empowerment and confidence among girls, enabling them to openly discuss and address menstrual challenges. Access to reusable pads empowers girls to manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence, promoting a positive self-image and self-esteem.
4. Breakdown of Stigma: Menstrual health education helps break down social taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. By normalizing discussions about menstruation, girls feel more comfortable seeking support and accessing menstrual products, reducing feelings of shame and isolation.
5. Long-Term Sustainability: Distributing reusable pads promotes sustainable menstrual hygiene practices, reducing reliance on single-use disposable products. By embracing reusable alternatives, girls contribute to environmental conservation efforts by minimizing plastic waste and reducing their carbon footprint.