Skip to main content
TREAT YOURSELF—FREE SHIPPING ON ALL POOSH DOMESTIC ORDERS. SHOP NOW.
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS
  • LIFE + STYLE
  • HOME + ENTERTAINING
  • KKB
Poosh
By Kourtney Kardashian Barker
  • instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
  • Shop
  • search
  • search
  • body
  • diy
  • fitness
  • Giving Back
  • health
  • mind
  • Relationships
  • Sexual Wellness
  • soul
5 Energizing Morning Yoga Poses 
5 Energizing Morning Yoga Poses 
How to Manifest the Relationship You Want
How to Manifest the Relationship You Want
How to Maintain Friendships as an Adult
How to Maintain Friendships as an Adult
3 Yoga Moves to Help Boost Your Immunity
3 Yoga Moves to Help Boost Your Immunity
What Common Sustainability Buzzwords Actually Mean
What Common Sustainability Buzzwords Actually Mean
DYK: Morning Sunlight Is Naturally Healing Infrared 
DYK: Morning Sunlight Is Naturally Healing Infrared 
  • Adulting
  • beauty
  • guides
  • Hacks
  • style
  • travel
Meet Your Summer Curly Hair MVP
Meet Your Summer Curly Hair MVP
The Poosh Mother’s Day Gift Guide
The Poosh Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Why You Should Consider a High Tech Facial
Why You Should Consider a High Tech Facial
Our Camp Poosh 2025 Photo Diary
Our Camp Poosh 2025 Photo Diary
Meet the Campers: Here’s Who’s Staying With Us At Camp Poosh 2025
Meet the Campers: Here’s Who’s Staying With Us At Camp Poosh 2025
Why You Should Try An Oil Cleanser—No Matter Your Skin Type
Why You Should Try An Oil Cleanser—No Matter Your Skin Type
  • decor
  • entertaining
  • kids
  • motherhood
  • Playlists
  • recipes
Salmon Sushi Bake
Salmon Sushi Bake
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Pepperoni Hot Honey Pasta Salad
Pepperoni Hot Honey Pasta Salad
Strawberry Matcha Frozen Clusters
Strawberry Matcha Frozen Clusters
Avocado Sweet Potato Toast
Avocado Sweet Potato Toast
Beet Ricotta Cheese Pasta
Beet Ricotta Cheese Pasta
  • family
  • kourtney
Part One: Life Lessons from Kourtney
Part One: Life Lessons from Kourtney
What Kris Jenner Is Reading Right Now
What Kris Jenner Is Reading Right Now
Kourtney’s Birthday Sale Is Here!
Kourtney’s Birthday Sale Is Here!
What Khloé Kardashian Is Reading Right Now
What Khloé Kardashian Is Reading Right Now
Inspired by Kim Kardashian: 3 Total-Body Gym Moves
Inspired by Kim Kardashian: 3 Total-Body Gym Moves
Kris Jenner’s Martini Recipe
Kris Jenner’s Martini Recipe

Menu

  • Shop
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS
    • body
    • diy
    • fitness
    • Giving Back
    • health
    • mind
    • Relationships
    • Sexual Wellness
    • soul
  • HOME + ENTERTAINING
    • decor
    • entertaining
    • kids
    • motherhood
    • Playlists
    • recipes
  • KKB
    • family
    • kourtney
  • LIFE + STYLE
    • Adulting
    • beauty
    • guides
    • Hacks
    • style
    • travel
  • About
  • Newsletter
instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
body

Menstruation Makes LIFE POSSIBLE

By Stephanie Shepherd
share on pinterest share on facebook share on twitter Share on Flipboard share by email
 Photo credit Khana Panties
Khana Panties

When I was six years old, I proudly informed my mother that someday I would grow up and become—drum roll, please—the world’s best cashier. I could hardly imagine having that much power—voiding any purchase I wanted, tapping on the register keys with long fake nails, and printing 100 receipts at a time (I didn’t quite share my current sentiment for protecting the planet back then).

Screen Shot 2019-05-09 at 5.26.29 PM
@steph_shep

Eventually I turned 13 and my reverence for the cash register gave way to a fierce passion for dance, which would continue to evolve into a fascination for a few hundred other occupations. While I regularly wondered what my life’s work would be, I was not concerned about whether or not it would be possible for me because of my gender. Then again, I am in the minority of women who have never experienced managing menstruation as a barrier to education, employment, and equal opportunity.

When a girl’s basic needs are met, she can focus less on surviving in the world and more on transforming it. But without a solution to manage monthly cycles, over eight million girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss up to one week of school every month. Many girls stop going entirely once they start their period. Can you imagine if this was our reality—if you and I were forced to drop out of school and let go of our dreams because we were unable to access or afford period products? Now, imagine a world in which this was no longer anyone’s reality. What would happen if every woman and girl were able to manage menstruation?

Screen Shot 2019-05-09 at 5.28.37 PM

According to UNICEF, menstrual hygiene interventions enable girls to overcome obstacles to their health, freedom, and opportunities such as gender-based violence, school dropout, and child marriage. Not only does this benefit girls individually, it also benefits the countries in which they live. As Dr. Ntaiya explained in her TED Talk on the importance of educating girls, “Child marriage is expected to cost the global economy trillions of dollars over the next 15 years … but what child marriage will cost my village is the doctor, the teacher, the entrepreneur.” Investing in a girl’s education by ensuring she can manage menstruation has profound impacts on her future employability, her country’s economic development, and gender equality at large.

So, what menstrual hygiene interventions are available to girls destined to be doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs in the developing world?

In regions like Uganda, when girls cannot access or afford feminine hygiene products, they use mud, rags, or leaves to stop the bleeding. Of course, this causes severe discomfort and even infection. Period products that require insertion (think tampons and menstrual cups) are considered taboo as they violate the cultural concept of virginity. This makes pads the safest and most feasible solution. Unfortunately, disposable pads can take centuries to biodegrade.

While various initiatives are increasing accessibility to affordable, washable pads, many girls lack access to underwear. Without panties to hold washable pads in place, the struggle to manage menstruation continues. Could something as simple as a pair of panties increase education and employment possibilities for women and girls in Uganda?

Screen Shot 2019-05-09 at 5.29.27 PM

I recently joined the Board of Directors for Khana, a nonprofit on a mission to ensure every girl has the panties she needs to manage menstruation and stay in school—starting with Uganda. Through funding generated from donations and online sales, Khana gives girls in Uganda the panties they need to hold pads in place. These panties are manufactured in Uganda to create jobs and contribute to economic sustainability. Then, they are distributed through select Days for Girls kits, which include washable pads, menstruation education, and more. It’s that simple. Exceptional quality for you, equal opportunity for her. That’s the possibility of just one pair.

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, there are several ways to get involved.

1. CONTINUE THE CONVO
Join Kourt and me on Twitter to discuss all things menstruation at @kourtneykardash and @steph_shep.

2. SHOP SUSTAINABLY
Ditch toxic products and shop sustainably instead. For organic pads and tampons, sign up for Lola’s subscription box (my fave). For menstrual cups, try the Lena Cup (I’ve heard great things).

3. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
By supporting Khana, you are ensuring every girl has the panties she needs to manage menstruation and stay in school, beginning with Uganda. Shop or donate today at khanapanties.com.

_image
Khana Panties
_image2
Khana Panties

In the United States, Uganda, and around the globe, menstruation makes life possible. Happy World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Related Articles

Goes to article How to Have More Energy Without Caffeine
health

How to Have More Energy Without Caffeine

Goes to article All-Natural Cures for a Hangover
health

All-Natural Cures for a Hangover

Goes to article Why Magnesium Deserves a Spot in Your Daily Routine
health

Why Magnesium Deserves a Spot in Your Daily Routine

Goes to article 8 Products to Help You Sleep Better At Night
guides

8 Products to Help You Sleep Better At Night

Goes to article A Step-by-Step Guide to the Everything Shower
body

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Everything Shower

Goes to article Adaptogens 101: What They Are and How They May Help with Stress
body

Adaptogens 101: What They Are and How They May Help with Stress

Goes to article Signs You Have Chronic Stress
health

Signs You Have Chronic Stress

Goes to article Cupid’s Strawberries and Cream Hydrating Mocktail
recipes

Cupid’s Strawberries and Cream Hydrating Mocktail

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Accessibility

Keep in Touch

instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
Reviewed by Allyant for Accessibility
  • © poosh, llc
    All Rights Reserved