This is where the story begins… as an egg.
A little ball of cells that make you, you.
You learn to see, to speak, to feel, to walk.
You grow up and experience the world around you.
You go to nursery, you make friends, you have play dates, you choose your likes and dislikes; you begin to feel things.
[[You begin to try and understand yourself and your emotions.]]
<style> img {
max-width:60%;
max-height: 30%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://visibletime.ararchive.com/_AA_FF-gif_.gif" >You are 13. It's cold outside.
You're on your daily walk to school, it is such a sluggish day.
The muscles in your legs are feeling tight and an impending headache is hindering your ability to think.
[[It hurts... Why does it hurt?]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height: 80%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://media.istockphoto.com/vectors/woman-suffering-from-stomachache-pain-girl-having-period-bellyache-vector-id907571532?k=6&m=907571532&s=612x612&w=0&h=D2ffsSQGRdcw-0rE45lxq9Chh4oaS50JE3wkcvzM7Jc=">So, what are the options to hold the blood?
[[One of your socks?]]
[[A piece of folded paper?]]
[[A plastic bag to hold it? What if it drips?]]
[[Toilet tissue...if there is any?]]
These are your choices...they don't feel much like choices.
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-13.png">You sit down, you read the algebra on the board, it’s another language right now.
The ticking of the clock on the classroom wall consumes you.
Tic tock...
Tic tock...
Tic tock...
It's so loud.
You can’t think. You don’t want to speak. Why today, why you? You want to cry but you need to hold it together.
[[One thing at a time, deep breaths, no one knows, just get through today.]]
<style> img {
max-width:50%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-25.png">[[Say you don’t know.]]
[[Make up something, it will likely be the wrong answer but who even cares at this point?]]
[[Take the defensive. Don't let anyone know what is actually going on right now, no one can know.]]
[[Cry, run out crying, what's the difference? This feels so embarrassing.]]
[[Keep it in, don't respond.]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-6-2.png">But you do know usually, you just can’t think right now. Normally you can.
You can not shake this shrinking feeling. The minutes feel like hours.
And to top it off you have PE after this ordeal. Hopefully it's the last hurdle of the day.
[[You’re in the changing room, everyone is going to see the makeshift nappy you tried to make resemble a period pad in your pants. How are you going to get through this now?]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-28.png">Internalise the physical and emotional pain that you've found yourself in and stare blankly at your book until they look away.
Really, you don't even care what is happening in this room. Your head is a million miles away.
Walk out of room as soon as the bell goes and make your way to PE.
[[You’re in the changing room, everyone is going to see the makeshift nappy you tried to make resemble a period pad in your pants. How are you going to get through this now?]]
<style> img {
max-width:60%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-24.png">Made it. You get to sit out the PE lesson, but Mum's going to find out about the forged note. You have to tidy up the sports equipment but even walking is draining you. It's so painful, exausting and crap.
For God's sake, it feels like this day just won't end. You need to get home, //now//.
You wrap up for the day, you pack your bag, you’ll be home soon.
Your friends ask if you're ok, saying you have been a bit out of it today. You shrug it off and say you're fine.
"Catch you tomorrow"...
You begin to walk home…
Cramp... Each step feels like your soul is leaving your body.
Cramp...Nausea taking over, you want to hurl.
Cramp... [[It didn't hold...]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-8-1.png">
Made it. PE you could have done without, but hey, you got through it! Well done, credit to you girly, now time to chin up and get home finally.
You wrap up school, you pack your bag, you’ll be home soon.
Your friends ask if your ok, saying you have been a bit out of it today. You shrug it off and say your fine.
"Catch you tomorrow"...
You begin to walk home…
Cramp... Each step feels like your soul is leaving your body.
Cramp… nausea taking over, you want to hurl.
Cramp...[[It didn't hold...]]
<style> img {
max-width:60%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-26.png">
Made it. Thank God no one saw you, or at least, no one said anything...
PE you could have done without but, hey you got through it! Well done, credit to you girly, now time to chin up and get home finally.
You wrap up school, you pack your bag, you’ll be home soon.
Your friends ask if your ok, saying you have been a bit out of it today. You shrug it off and say your fine.
"Catch you tomorrow"...
You begin to walk home…
Cramp... Each step feels like your soul is leaving your body.
Cramp… nausea taking over, you want to hurl.
Cramp...[[It didn't hold...]]
<style> img {
max-width:50%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-30.png">Made it. PE you could have done without, but hey you got through it! Well done, credit to you girly, now time to chin up and get home finally.
You wrap up school, you pack your bag, you’ll be home soon.
Your friends ask what's going on with you, why have you been so distant?
You tell them to back off, it's none of their business.
You clearly did a great job of not letting on that you're on the red...
Finally, you begin to walk home…
Cramp... Each step feels like your soul is leaving your body.
Cramp… nausea taking over, you want to hurl.
Cramp...[[It didn't hold...]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-31.png">
You made it, thank God no one saw. At least you think no one saw. Finally you can be alone.
The day has been exhausting. It's likely you failed the maths test, but who cares?
You wish Mum could afford a packet of pads this month, but you know that's too much to ask at times like these.
[[You don't want to do this all over again tomorrow, just stay home, it's not worth it.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-32.png">
You made it, thank God no one saw you. At least you think no one saw. Finally you can be alone.
The day has been exhausting. It's likely you failed the maths test, but who cares?
You wish Mum could afford a packet of pads this month but, you know that's too much to ask at times like these.
[[You don't want to do this all over again tomorrow, just stay home, it's not worth it.]]
<style> img {
max-width:100%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-37.png">
Thank goodness the coffee shop toilets were not too far. You managed to get some more tissue and clean yourself for the way home, but still had to do the jumper round the waist routine so no one saw the stains.
Finally you're home, you can be alone.
The day has been exhausting. It's likely you failed the maths test, but who even cares?
You wish Mum could afford a packet of pads this month but, you know that's too much to ask at times like these. It's not easy for anyone right now.
[[You don't want to do this all over again tomorrow, just stay home, it's not worth it.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-35.png">
No, not today!
Ok, you’re at school, where do you get a pad?
This is so embarrassing, who do you talk to?
No, no, no, can’t think about anything, don't panic, this is a nightmare!
You're going to fail the maths test and you have gym class...Everyone will know!
Think.
Do not Panic.
[[What to do?]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/2xPJ7B4UspWtjmRMde/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b9527bbdf8e8b41e027aae56ee2c155942a1603e88e0&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g">You have a sock, that will stem the flow for now. Hopefully, it will make it through the day, even if it feels uncomfortable. Just pray this doesn't get you a UTI.
You check the mirror on your way out; it will hold. Okay, sock it is.
[[Now rush back to class before anyone asks any questions.]]
<style> img {
max-width:90%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-21.png">But if it drips...then it would stain your uniform.
Blood stains on your uniform...
If anyone saw that, you would shrink to feel like the most insignificant speck in a world that you don't want exist in.
This is going to have to work.
[[Now rush back to class before anyone asks any questions.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-3.png">
There isn’t enough, but it might hold.
Carefully shape it into a makeshift pad. You pray it doesn't leak.
If anyone saw that, you would shrink to feel like the most insignificant speck in a world that you don't want to exist in.
This is going to have to work.
[[Now rush back to class before anyone asks any questions.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-3.png">
You look up and the teacher asks you a question. Something to do with algebra.
Right now it’s hard to muster one breath, let alone comprehend the equation.
Everyone is silent, they are all waiting on you.
Say something!
[[You need to do something, all eyes are on you!]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-5-1.png">They’ll all think you’re stupid. Now you feel stupid.
All you need to do right now is keep your head down and get through this next class. Try and get through this test, next class is PE.
It's going to be a domino effect though, one failed test, another bad report, another phone call home, parents asking questions, the same drill over and over.
But none of it is your choice really. Just forget it, get to PE before you're late.
[[You’re in the changing room, everyone is going to see the makeshift nappy you tried to make resemble a period pad in your pants. How are you going to get through this now?]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-29.png">If you say something cocky everyone will laugh, and the teacher might leave you alone.
But maybe the teacher will send you out and that way, when she comes out to speak to you, you might be able to ask her for a pad.
It might raise more questions than it's worth. Just take a guess at the answer, and make it through the class.
Try not to move around too much, sitting still will help the blood to not leak.
Make a swift exit for the door as the bell goes and get to PE.
[[You’re in the changing room, everyone is going to see the makeshift nappy you tried to make resemble a period pad in your pants. How are you going to get through this now?]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-23.png">
Which is what you want to do… But everyone will think you’re a raving lunatic… There is no winning.
You feel so helpless, you're mentally exhausted.
Get out of this class as soon as the bell goes. Then you can go and cry it out where no one will see you.
Just get to PE now, it's almost the end of the day.
[[You’re in the changing room, everyone is going to see the makeshift nappy you tried to make resemble a period pad in your pants. How are you going to get through this now?]]
<style> img {
max-width:50%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-22.png">
[[Fake a note from your parents to say you can’t do PE today.]]
[[Don’t change in front of your class and use the toilet. Everyone is going to question you but better that, than them seeing.]]
[[Change in front of the class and have everyone see that you’ve stuffed your pants with your makeshift period products. ]]
[[Change sitting down, be extremely fast, keep your jumper on your lap, and pray and hope to God that there is no accident when you’re climbing the ropes in gym class.]]
<style> img {
max-width:60%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-7-2.png">
A trickle of blood running down your inner thigh. As you begin to quicken your pace, it smears across your skin into a bloody mess.
The shame renders you speachless and brews a different kind of pain to the physical one that's taking over your body. This feels like it will be the death of you...
[[Muster your inner strength and run home.]]
[[Tie your jumper around your waist so no one sees the blood leaking.]]
[[Try and find somewhere you can replace the tissue, where you won’t be seen.]]
[[Ask someone for help.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-9-1.png">
You made it, finally you can be alone.
The day has been exhausting. It's likely you failed the maths test, but who cares?
You wish Mum could afford a packet of pads this month, but you know that's too much to ask at times like these.
[[You don't want to do this all over again tomorrow, just stay home, it's not worth it.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-10-1.png">
This is one of approximately 450 periods costing the average women anywhere between £5000-£18,000 over a lifetime.
Every day, period poverty affects 800 million menstruaters globally.
Whilst some are able to afford menstrual management products, period poverty is a [[global crisis]].
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-11-1.png">
Rip out a couple of pages from your maths book, from the back.
Carefully fold it to resemble the shape of a pad.
This is so scratchy, you feel sick.
Mum can't afford pads this month, plus that would also involve asking her to buy them. It's so embarassing to even think about!
[[Now rush back to class before anyone asks any questions.]]
<style> img {
max-width:90%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-13-1.png">
Even in developed countries like the United Kingdom, the 5th largest economy in the world, 1 in 10 females aged between 14-21 cannot afford menstrual management.
Plan international UK's research of period poverty and stigma of 1000 females aged found:
* One in ten females have been unable to afford sanitary wear.
* One in twelve females has had to improvise sanitary wear due to affordability issues.
* Nearly half (48 per cent) of girls in the UK are embarrassed by their periods.
* 64 percent of girls have missed a PE or sports lesson because of their period, of which 52 per cent of girls have made up a lie or excuse
[[Half of the girls have missed school because of their period.]]
<style> img {
max-width:50%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-36.png">
The Scottish government has paved the way by making sanitary products available to all students regardless of their age or background in a bid to banish period poverty.
The goal; to reduce the stigma around periods and to ensure no young person misses out on education because of their period.
Ending period poverty means ending the //shame// because afterall...
[[it's only blood.]]
<style> img {
max-width:70%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-17.png">
<head><style>
a {color:#D96277; }
</style></head>
<body>
Thank you for reading, if you want to learn more about period poverty, here are some resources and ways you can help.
<a href= "https://plan-uk.org/media-centre/plan-international-uks-research-on-period-poverty-and-stigma">Plan International UK's research on period poverty and stigma</a>
<a href= "https://www.bloodygoodperiod.com/">Bloody Good Period</a>
<a href= "https://www.freeperiods.org/">Free periods Campaign-Amika George</a>
<a href= "http://thehomelessperiod.com/">The homeless period </a>
<a href= "https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/period-poverty-everything-you-need-to-know/">Period Poverty: Everything You Need to Know</a>
<a href= "https://www.freedom4girls.co.uk/">Freedom4Girls</a>
<a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2zd1x4e4ds">Period poverty: a journey through the pain, struggle and taboo</a>
<a href= "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/period-products-in-schools-and-colleges/period-product-scheme-for-schools-and-colleges-in-england">Period product scheme for schools and colleges in England</a>
</body>
Or find out about others stories, use these hashtags.
<style> img {
max-width:60%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-33.png">
You arrive at the gates, there is enough time to pop to the loo before the bell
[[and there is is...bloody hell.]]
<style> img {
max-width:100%;
max-height: 100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-10.png">A majority of people still do not understand what period poverty means. Periods are not part of daily conversation so understanding them in the context of being poverty doesn't translate to everyday practices.
Simply put, period poverty means not being able to afford basic products, like pads and tampons, to manage having a period.
Period poverty is a real challenge devastating female lives. This is not just a schoolgirl issue, or a women's issue, this is a human issue.
[[So what do we do?]]
<style> img {
max-width:80%;
max-height:100%;
}
</style>
<img
src="https://cpb-eu-w2.wpmucdn.com/eportfolios.roehampton.ac.uk/dist/b/2904/files/2021/01/Untitled_Artwork-12-1.png">