Ending period poverty is the ultimate goal and Plan International Laos, and Modibodi are breaking down menstruation taboos to help achieve it.
This year, in collaboration with the District Education and Sports Bureau, Plan International Laos and Modibodi gave period underwear packs to more than 2000 female students in 15 schools around the Houn District of Laos.
Each pack was a waterproof bag that came with five pairs of period pants, made with a built-in lining that absorbs blood. The pants are easily washable and can last years if taken care of– a sustainable alternative to buying disposable pads every month.
“I like modibodi pants more than normal sanitary pads because they are easy to use, comfortable to wear and cost saving. Every month I spend around 15,000-25,000 kip ($2-4) to buy sanitary pads, ” says Souvanh Xayaphone, a grade twelve Khmu female student.
In addition to helping provide these period pants, Plan International Laos is breaking down period taboos by improving access to sexual health and rights information through student clubs for these girls – many of whom were taught misconceptions about menstruation growing up.
These misconceptions range from believing there are certain foods that shouldn’t be eaten on their period as well as being told not to wash their hair during menstruation.
Xayaphone says: “When I was 15 years old, I already knew how to use a sanitary pad from my sister who told me about foods that should not be eaten during my period, such as fermented foods and shrimp paste because it will cause menstrual cramps.”
It wasn’t until Xayaphone joined one of Plan International Laos’ student clubs that she heard accurate information about reproductive health and self-care during periods.
She says she learned, “that it is important to change the pads frequently, at least 3 times a day. I also know now that I can eat any food I like when I have my period.”
Students in these secondary school clubs learn and share information about gender equality and reproductive health in creative ways such as by playing games and performing stage drama shows. The clubs also aim to bolster the girls’ leadership skills.
Plan International Laos says they’ve seen club members gain more confidence to attend school activities even during their periods– something they were hesitant to do before.
Mr. Khamxay Sayalath, the Vice Principal of Donmeuang secondary school, says, “After receiving the Modibodi packs, female students are less nervous and able to focus on studying while they are menstruating. Less use of sanitary pads has also reduced garbage in school.”
Plan International’s Adolescent Project Manager, Manivanh Phetsalath says that distribution events at the schools to hand out period pants to the girls is a great opportunity to open up conversations that normalise periods.
“Some women and girls have misconceptions about menstruation and reproductive health – an important part of our work is to break these taboos,” she says. “During these types of events, we explain to the girls that having your period is a natural and normal thing that happens every month – you can eat what you want and do activities as you would normally.”