The Unseen Barrier: How period poverty steals dreams from girls in low-income communities in Eswatini

The world is full of incredible women – doctors, engineers, artists, leaders. But for countless girls in low-income, rural communities in Lubombo, the path to realizing their full potential is blocked by a silent, often shameful struggle: period poverty. This isn't just about missing a few days of school; it's about stolen dignity, compromised health, and dreams deferred.

Imagine a young girl living in a remote village. When her period arrives, she faces a stark reality. No sanitary pads, no tampons, no access to clean water or a private bathroom. Instead, she might resort to using rags, old newspapers, or even leaves – methods that are not only ineffective but also pose serious health risks. This is the reality of period poverty, a global crisis that disproportionately affects girls in disadvantaged communities, trapping them in a cycle of shame and limitation.

The ripple effect

The consequences of period poverty extend far beyond mere inconvenience. They create a cascade of challenges that can derail a girl's life:

• Education Interrupted: Girls facing period poverty often miss school, not just during their periods, but sometimes for weeks at a time. This absence leads to falling behind, impacting their academic performance. How can they focus on learning when they're worried about leaks, discomfort, and the fear of being shamed?

• Health at Risk: Using makeshift menstrual products increases the risk of infections, irritation, and long-term reproductive health problems. The lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation exacerbates these risks, putting girls' health and well-being in jeopardy.

• Dignity Denied: The stigma surrounding menstruation, coupled with the lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products, can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation. Girls may feel they have to hide their periods, further compounding the problem and preventing them from seeking help.

• Potential Unreached: Period poverty limits girls' participation in sports, extracurricular activities, and even social events. It restricts their movement, their confidence, and their ability to fully engage with the world around them, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

  
  

How we're making a difference

At Kudvumisa, we believe that every girl in Eswatini deserves the chance to thrive. We understand that access to menstrual hygiene is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right. That's why we're working to break the cycle of period poverty by distributing Days for Girls kits to girls in schools across the Lubombo region.

Bringing essential Days for Girls Kits to the community of Mgidzagcunu, Vuvulane.

These kits provide a sustainable solution, containing reusable pads, underwear, and other essential items, empowering girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. We also offer vital education about menstruation and reproductive health, breaking down stigma and empowering girls and women with knowledge.

You Can Make a Difference too

For just E200/$11USD, you can give a girl in Lubombo the gift of a healthy period. Your donation will provide a Days for Girls kit, offering her not just practical support but also the opportunity to stay in school, protect her health, and pursue her dreams.

Happy young girls after receiving their Days for Girls Kits

We can end period poverty. Donate today and help us ensure that every girl has the chance to reach her full potential.