‘Break the stigma, pass the pad’Feminitt working to end the cycle of period poverty in T&T

Feminitt Caribbean is an NGO in T&T seeking to radically transform structures that breed inequality in T&T while bridging the socio-economic gaps in communities through education and advocacy.

Their Safe Cycle programme was launched in August 2020 and has three main components: Health Education, Service Delivery and the Safe Cycle Report. These three work in tandem to provide menstrual products to those in need, disseminate information about menstrual health and equity, promote the engagement of men and boys in the discourse of female needs, and perform data collection that supports women’s access to gynaecological health.

Under this Safe Cycle programme, they launched the “Break the Stigma, Pass the Pad” campaign around International Youth Day this year (August 12) to continue to advocate for the ending of period poverty, especially where young women are concerned.

“Break the Stigma, Pass the Pad” is an important campaign aiming to dismantle the societal taboos surrounding menstruation and advocate for menstrual equity in T&T. Menstruation, a natural biological process, is often shrouded in shame and misinformation, leading to significant disparities in access to menstrual products and education.

The cost of purchasing menstrual products monthly, especially in homes with multiple women, can be beyond the reach of many lower-income households. Often times, men who do not experience the burden of these costs are not aware of how it can be a financial strain on many women. On average, it costs women $100 (TT) to purchase period products monthly in T&T.

This expense, combined with limited access to proper sanitation facilities and societal stigma, forces many young girls to miss school during their periods. Globally, approximately 500 million women and girls face period poverty, highlighting the need for systemic change. According to a 2014 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report, one out of every ten menstruating youth misses school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of access to menstrual products and resources.

Aziza Alexander, a 15-year-old student from east Trinidad, speaks on the importance of this campaign, saying, “Everyone deserves their necessities. It is pertinent to have access to Feminitt’s care bank, as it provides me with products for a safe menstrual cycle. Menstrual health education has gone far, and I am very grateful.

“As a young person, I see the importance of having such necessities regularly in schools. With the aid of menstrual health education and care banks, it enables people with the tools to recognise the normality of menstruation and reduce stigma. I have seen progress as awareness grows and accessibility to Safe Cycle care banks increases. It truly shows promise.” The call to action of this campaign is multifaceted, requiring the collaboration of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), policymakers, and the public. NGOs play a pivotal role in providing grassroots support and raising awareness through community outreach and educational programmes.

Policymakers, on the other hand, are urged to implement and enforce legislation that ensures the availability and affordability of menstrual products. Public participation is also vital; by breaking the silence and advocating for menstrual equity, individuals can help shift societal attitudes and reduce the stigma associated with menstruation.

By spotlighting these issues, Feminitt hopes to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can manage their menstruation with dignity. The ways that the group urges policymakers, educators, and community leaders to encourage change include investment in and policies to support the free offering of menstrual products and education for school-aged children, awareness campaigns to highlight how period poverty can affect women, improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools to ensure girls feel comfortable during their period, and breaking the taboo surrounding discussions of menstruation.

Feminitt Caribbean has been a beacon of advocacy for menstrual equity since 2020, addressing a critical yet often overlooked issue in underserved communities.

This organisation has not only provided free menstrual products to those in need but has also conducted educational workshops in schools to raise awareness about menstrual health. By tackling the stigma associated with menstruation, Feminitt Caribbean is working diligently to ensure that no one is left without the necessary resources and knowledge to manage their menstrual health effectively.

Their efforts are setting the stage for a more inclusive and informed T&T where menstrual health is prioritised. Through their continued efforts, they continue to pave the way for a future where menstrual health is universally understood, respected, and supported.

To contact Feminitt and join the movement, email feminitt@gmail.com

The post ‘Break the stigma, pass the pad’Feminitt working to end the cycle of period poverty in T&T first appeared on CNC3.