Tackling Period Poverty
We are committed to ending period poverty by improving menstrual health, reducing stigma, and empowering women and girls to manage their periods with dignity.
Period Poverty
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable and quality menstrual products, education, and proper sanitation. In Sri Lanka’s Puttalam district, this crisis impacts the education, health, and dignity of countless women and girls especially in rural and marginalized communities.
The Local Impact of Period Poverty
Women and girls in Puttalam face several menstrual health challenges:
- Inability to afford sanitary products
- Use of unsafe, unhygienic alternatives
- Increased health risks and infections
- Social stigma and silence surrounding menstruation
- Missed school days and limited opportunities for girls
These issues are intensified by poverty, cultural taboos, poor sanitation infrastructure, and the vulnerability of marginalized groups like fishing communities and indigenous populations.
Our Work with School Girls
We visit rural schools and provide free sanitary napkin packs to girls who need them most. During our visits, we also conduct awareness sessions to help them understand their menstrual cycle and hygiene practices in a safe, supportive space. We stay connected with teachers and principals to make sure girls feel supported in school.
Making Toilets Safer and Cleaner
Access to clean toilets is a basic need but many schools lack them. That’s why we help build or upgrade toilets, adding facilities like washing areas and disposal bins. When girls have privacy and comfort, they are more confident to attend school every day, even during their periods.
We hold open conversations in schools and communities to break the stigma around menstruation. We encourage mothers, fathers, and even brothers to understand that periods are natural and nothing to be ashamed of.
Supporting Women in Coastal Villages
Beyond schools, we also reach women in low-income fishing communities. We offer hygiene kits, awareness workshops, and a space where women can share experiences and learn from each other. For many of them, this is the first time they’ve spoken about periods openly.
We’ve set up small peer groups in schools where girls can ask questions, learn from one another, and feel heard. These spaces help girls realize they’re not alone—and that their voices matter.
