Feminitt Caribbean launches Break the Stigma, Pass the Pad campaign

Feminitt Caribbean has launched a new campaign to tackle period stigma and period poverty, while promoting menstrual health education and access to menstrual products in schools. The campaign, titled Break the Stigma, Pass the Pad, is an initiative under the organisation’s Safe Cycle Programme.

In a statement, the NGO said Break the Stigma, Pass the Pad emphasises the urgent need for societal change around menstruation and people’s access to menstrual equity in TT. It said the campaign also seeks to highlight the needs of young people and marginalised groups of people who are often forgotten during legislative decisions. It said addressing these human rights issues requires concerted efforts from NGOs, policymakers, and the public to ensure fair access to menstrual products and improved education and facilities.

Feminitt Caribbean co-executive director and visual arts lead Xala Ramesar said menstrual health education and menstrual equity are crucial for students’ development.

“By achieving menstrual equity in schools, we can remove educational barriers and help all students have a fair and equal shot at education regardless of gender, domestic circumstances, and financial situations.

“Feminitt Caribbean is committed to advancing menstrual equity in the region through short-term, direct initiatives such as period product donations and long-term change via education workshops in schools, research and reporting on the realities of menstrual health in the Caribbean, and policy advocacy.”

The organisation said on average, it costs people $100 monthly to purchase period products in TT. It said this expense, combined with limited access to proper (WASH) facilities and societal stigma, forces many young girls to miss school during their periods. It said globally, approximately 500 million women and girls face period poverty, highlighting the need for systemic change.

Aziza Alexander, a 15-year-old student from East Trinidad, said as a young person she sees the importance of having these necessities in schools regularly.

“Everyone deserves their necessities. It is pertinent to have access to Feminitt’s care bank, as it provides me with products for a safe menstrual cycle. Menstrual health education has gone far, and I am very grateful.

“With the aid of menstrual health education and care banks, it enables people with the tools to recognise the normality of menstruation and reduce stigma. I have seen progress as awareness grows and accessibility to Safe Cycle care banks increases. It truly shows promise.”

Feminitt Caribbean has been advocating for menstrual equity and conducting additional services like the provision of free menstrual products in under served communities, educational workshops in schools, and advocating for better menstrual health policies since 2020.

It said these efforts laid a strong foundation for the Break the Stigma Pass the Pad campaign, which aims to expand Safe Cycle’s reach, increase educational programs, and foster stronger partnerships with local organisations, schools, and policymakers.

Feminitt Caribbean recommendations for policy makers and civil society actors:

Education Without Interruption: Invest in free menstrual products and comprehensive menstrual health education for school-aged children.

Break the Stigma – Put Menstrual Equity into Policy: We call for policies that support free access to menstrual products in schools and public facilities.

Awareness Campaigns: Highlight the impact of period poverty on education. Ensure periods do not prevent students from learning.

Improve WASH Facilities in Schools: Ensure schools have proper Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, including clean washbasins, soap dispensers, water taps, and menstrual product dispensers.

As civil society actors, partner with other organisations: Amplify and support current programmes providing free menstrual products and education in schools and communities.

Raise awareness: Organise and participate in awareness campaigns to break the stigma around menstruation.

Promote policy change: Work with policymakers to create and implement legislation ensuring menstrual products and education are accessible to all.