As a young girl, I struggled with menstruation – A LOT! I truly dislike that ‘period’ of my childhood the most (except for when my mom died).
A difficult start
I vividly remember the day my mother, may she rest in peace, hung a few pieces of cloth on a fruit tree to dry in the sun. I was in the village, around eight or nine years old. She must have seen me staring curiously because she said,
one day, you will need these.
I didn’t understand what she meant at the time. Within a year, she was gone—dead—and soon after, my menarche, my first period, began. That moment shaped my life. Without guidance, my initial experience was overwhelming. Confusion, pain, and isolation were my constant companions. Each time I think of it, I tear up. That moment planted the seed for FlowReady, my vow to ensure other girls wouldn’t face menstruation unprepared.
Navigating the unknown: My first period
My first period was a blur of confusion and anxiety. Growing up, I knew little about periods—not until my first bleed at about ten years old. I didn’t know where the blood came from (the uterus) or how it exited (the vagina, the opening within the vulva).
I was so confused, even worried that the urethra (just below the clitoris) and the vagina might somehow do the same thing. How was I going to handle this? What was I going to use? These were the frantic questions I asked myself during my first unforgiving period, which came with intense pain.
Talking about it was embarrassing, and I didn’t dare seek answers about what was happening to an organ we were told to keep private and never even mention its name – VAGINA. That’s why it’s so important to have these conversations early—before menarche—so girls can ask questions and feel reassured. Menstruation should not be a scary, confusing surprise but a natural, manageable part of growing up.
Growing Up Without Resources
When I first started menstruating, I didn’t have the luxury of pads or privacy. We lived in a place where about ten households shared one outdoor latrine and bathroom, and water was used sparingly—we collected it from a nearby well or bought it. Growing up in a small one-room house (called a “kazigo” in the local language, meaning a small rental usually in crowded places) shared with many siblings—including boys—my father, and my stepmother was challenging. I figured out how to catch the flowing blood by using my old green school uniforms as makeshift pads. I didn’t know how often to change them, and the lack of privacy meant I silently endured the pain and discomfort. The pungent smell of the “rags” left a lasting impression, one that kept me from considering reusable pads for years.
I also used cotton thanks to older cousins later intervening, and when I got the chance, I would also “steal” toilet paper from the rare public places that had it, as such facilities were scarce. Each time I took those precious sheets, guilt weighed heavily on me, and the fear of getting caught made my heart race, but I had no other choice to manage my periods.
Through my early twenties, I continued to “help myself” to toilet paper from hotel bathrooms whenever possible—a survival tactic born of period poverty, but that’s a story for another day.
However, I’ve since come a long way. As the founder of FlowReady, I needed to understand all menstrual products available on the market and determine which ones I felt comfortable providing to girls. Additionally, as an environmentalist, I strive to minimize my ecological footprint, which led me to explore eco-friendly period products. Overcoming my trauma around reusables was a journey of necessity and responsibility—I had to test these products myself to confidently advocate for them. I now occasionally use reusable period underwear, a significant step forward considering the trauma I carried for years. These early experiences taught me resilience but also highlighted the urgent need for accessible menstrual health education.
FlowReady will get you to your first period!
To every girl: if you feel as unsure as I did back then, don’t worry! At that age, many girls feel uncomfortable with their periods—I was too. Talking about it was often embarrassing, but I’m here to reassure you: you won’t go into menstruation blind or unprepared. FlowReady is your trusted companion to support and empower you every step of the way.
As you grow, you’ll continue learning. You’ll experiment with different feminine hygiene products and maybe even try strange remedies people recommend for cramps (steer clear of some of them—I once swore cola soda helped, but it was purely psychological). You’ll navigate pain management, find what works best for you, or learn to live with it. It’s a journey, and I’m here to tell you that, though it’s challenging, it’s manageable—even through the leaks and pungent smells.
FlowReady: Turning insights into action
FlowReady is my answer to most period challenges. I believe every girl deserves to approach menstruation with knowledge, confidence, and support. My goal is to provide young girls in low-income countries, starting with my own, Uganda, with the information and resources they need to navigate this important stage of life. It’s that simple! It’s heartbreaking that 66% of young girls know nothing about menstruation until menarche—the first time they experience bleeding.
Like Jordana and Lynette, every girl deserves the chance to have open conversations with their moms, siblings, friends, teachers, and society at large—men and women alike.
Through FlowReady, we’re working to equip girls with essentials like reusable menstrual kits, FlowReadyNow kits (Learn more about what’s included in our FlowReadyNow kits here) especially for pre-menarchal girls, and comprehensive education to tackle harmful myths and taboos. Evidence shows that educating girls before menarche helps delay societal pressures, improves health outcomes, and enables girls to focus on their aspirations.
As I write this edit in 2024, I’ve been menstruating for 30 years! The first 15 years were not easy—yes, that long! I’m surviving and thriving, even if I still find it challenging sometimes. Let me be clear: you’re allowed to dislike your period. It’s not always a bouquet of roses; sometimes, the smell of period blood can feel overwhelming. But with proper hygiene, you can avoid most of the discomfort.
Empowering the next generation
At FlowReady, we know menstruation is a pivotal moment in the lives of adolescent girls. Over the years, I’ve learned to manage my period more effectively, experimenting with different products and finding what works best for me. While I don’t always enjoy it, I’ve come to accept it as a natural part of life.
Our mission is to ensure no girl faces her transition into young adulthood unprepared. Menstruation-related stigma and shame are inhibiting. By providing education, resources, and support systems, we’re changing the narrative for girls in Uganda and beyond.
A call to action
I invite you to join me on this mission to break the silence around menstruation and empower young girls in underserved areas. Share this blog post, spread awareness about FlowReady, and let’s work together to ensure every girl has the support she deserves before and during her menses. Stay tuned for more stories of resilience and how FlowReady is transforming lives. Together, we can change how girls experience this natural, transformative phase of life.
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