period poverty- guest article by Tsuno
In 2013 I decided to take part in a yearly charity fundraising activity, and set myself the challenge of having my period using the methods I'd heard women resort to when they don't have access to affordable sanitary products. I used rags, newspaper, kitchen sponges and leaves. I was also going to use bark, yes bark from a tree, but when I went to the tree to pull some off I actually couldn't bring myself to do it. I really felt something strong, for a woman to be in the position that bark is her best option, that definitely is not a good position.
Roz Campbell, Tsuno founder. Photo by Kim Lady
The charity fundraiser was run by One Girl, who became my charity partner when I launched Tsuno in 2014. Period poverty is a global issue that is playing a role in the lives of women and girls, either through lack of access to sanitary products or ongoing menstruation stigma denying them the dignity to manage a period monthly. It is affecting education when school is missed, it is affecting health when hygienic products and spaces aren’t available and it is affecting mental health when shame and fear becomes an association.
Photo via @onegirlorg
This is what Tsuno is doing and why we need your help…
Tsuno is currently working in partnership with One Girl, who provide education scholarships, sanitary pads and health education to marginalised girls in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
We are also proud to donate to and continue to support the work of Share the Dignity, The Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, The Rough Period, The Asylum Seekers Centre Newtown, Period Pack and Essentials for Women South Australia.
50% of our profits are donated to charities that focus on empowering women, with the main focus being education and menstrual support.
We need your help to continue tackling taboo. To elevate dignity and end the stigma associated with periods. We ask you to educate yourself, to choose sustainable products (like ours, available here ;) ) and to check your privilege and seek ways to help those less fortunate (perhaps by donating a box here)
Photo via @onegirlorg
Let’s end with some period positive vibes fighting period poverty! To date Tsuno has donated $40811.94 to One Girl, which is thanks to our incredible community of supporters. One Girl’s Launchpad program is eliminating menstruation myths in Sierra Leone with some amazing progress so far. One of my favourite quotes is below.
“Before when we were using the pieces, it gave us wounds and rashes and infection, but now when we are using the pads, we are okay and free … ever since when LaunchPad came, things have really changed.”
– Group member, Tonkolili district.
Spreading awareness on period poverty is so important and we thank Bare Health Studio for shining a light on the role we have to play in educating ourselves and destroying taboos! It’s no longer just a women’s issue either, with educating men on menstruation a key part of One Girls success. It’s ok to talk about periods. In fact, it’s vital.