Holidays with Big Sis (DAY 3)

We've wrapped up our "Holidays with Big Sis" program, and on our final day, we tackled a subject that is often unnecessarily shrouded in silence and shame: menstrual health and dignity.

For many girls, lack of knowledge and resources around their period can directly impact their education, health, and self-confidence. Our goal for Day 3 wasn't just to educate, but to empower. It was a breakthrough moment that centered on providing practical, accurate, and judgment-free support.

What We Taught: Replacing Shame with Science

Our workshop was designed to be straightforward, positive, and most importantly, practical. We covered three core areas:

1. The Essentials of Menstruation and Hygiene Management 

We started with the basics, normalizing the biological process and explaining exactly what is happening in their bodies. We emphasized that menstruation is a natural, healthy sign of a functioning body, not an illness or something to hide.

Crucially, we dove into Menstrual Hygiene Management. This included detailed instructions on:

• The proper use and disposal of different hygiene products.

• How to clean and care for reusable products, if applicable.

• The importance of consistency and routine when managing their cycle.

2. Tracking and Understanding Their Cycle

For many young women, understanding their body's rhythm is the first step toward self-advocacy. We taught the girls simple, non-digital ways to track their periods, helping them predict their flow and prepare for it.

This knowledge also extended to understanding the basic rhythm of their fertility. We introduced the concept of identifying the various phases of their cycle—information that is critical for making informed choices about their bodies and future.

3. Essential Hygiene Habits

Beyond the immediate period care, we shared fundamental hygiene habits that every girl should know to maintain overall health, reduce the risk of infection, and feel fresh and confident every day. Simple routines can have a monumental impact on dignity.

Empowering Them with Practical Tools

We know that knowledge alone isn't enough; dignity requires resources. To close out "Holidays with Big Sis," we were thrilled to distribute Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Kits to every participant.

Each kit was carefully assembled to provide the girls with the tools necessary to manage their periods with comfort and confidence for months to come. Handing over these kits was a powerful moment it was a tangible promise that they are supported, their health is important, and they deserve to manage this natural process without stress or shame.

More Than a Workshop: It Was a Confidence Boost

This final day wasn't just a tick box on our schedule. It was an investment in their future. When a girl gains confidence in managing her period, she gains the ability to stay in school, participate fully in life, and stand taller.

We left Day 3 feeling immensely proud. We didn't just teach menstrual health; we helped facilitate a breakthrough in self-acceptance and dignity for every single girl in the room. Thank you to everyone who supported this crucial initiative.