The PridePads Period Diaries: Real Women, Real Stories.
PridePads Africa is excited to announce a new social media series, The PridePads Period Diaries: Real Women, Real Stories.
Educating for Change: PridePads’ Menstrual Stories Series Tackles Stigma in Cameroon
Girls in Cameroon are overwhelmingly under and mis-informed about menstruation prior to their first period. In addition, due to many religious and cultural practices that perpetuate the idea that menstruation is a curse, disease, ailment, or demon/spiritual anomaly rather than a natural biological process, there’s a stigma surrounding menstruation
In an attempt to de-stigmatize menstruation and stress the importance of education, PridePads Africa is launching a series of conversations where mothers and daughters and women share stories of their first periods. These conversations are an opportunity for connection and conversation surrounding menstruation, as well as a moment to remember that not all women and girls around the world have access to information or a level of comfort to discuss menstruation openly and freely.
Co-founders, Stephanie Carter and her daughter, Celeste Carter, are launching the series with a candid conversation about Celeste’s first period.
Celeste recalls that while Stephanie had talked with her often about menstruation, she still felt a bit embarrassed when that day came. Celeste shares, “Even though I was prepared for my first period, I remember feeling a little embarrassed at the same time. That emotion stuck with me for a long time, and it wasn’t until I started educating myself about our work at PridePads with young women that I was able to erase the stigma I felt around it.”
Stephanie adds, “That’s why our work at PridePads is so important - we’re working to destigmatize menstruation and get young girls to understand that this is a natural, biological process.”
The Importance of Staying in School
Stephanie and Celeste also discuss the fact that education and access to menstrual products afford young girls the opportunity to stay in school. Celeste stresses, “The continuation of education is huge, as is creating a community that talks about menstruation.”
Which is precisely what PridePads is doing - creating classrooms that are communities. Stephanie adds, “Having that knowledge and educating girls of what getting a period is like helps remove the feelings of shame. Thanks to the efforts of PridePads, young women are provided knowledge and pads so that they can continue their education and be productive members of society.”
By sharing their stories and fostering open dialogue, PridePads is helping to break down barriers and empower young women in Cameroon and beyond.
Help Us Spread the Word
You can help spread the message and work of Pride Pads Africa by following us on social media and sharing the work we’re doing:
Supporting PridePads Africa
Please consider making a donation to PridePads Africa to help us continue this important work. Every dollar counts in the fight to end harmful menstrual taboos and stigmas and educate young women and girls about menstruation.
Please join the PridePads Africa team as we continue to normalize conversation about menstruation.
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
PridePads Africa Board of Directors