In the heart of a bustling city, young Aketch watched her darling mother sew a crimson red ribbon into her school bag. “ For courage and resilience,” her mother said with a knowing smile crossing across her cherry lips, a delicate curve that whispered of unrevealed insights and veiled understanding. Aketch did not fully comprehend, but she perceived the warmth of her mother’s words and smiled back.
One day, at school, Aketch’s friend, Nafula did not show up, making Aketch concerned. After school, Aketch boarded the school bus and alighted at Nafula’s gate. Aketch found Nafula hiding, embarrassed by her first period, clutching her stomach. “It’s natural,” Aketch assured her, reaching out for the crimson red ribbon in her bag, adding, “This is for courage and resilience.”
 |
| Aketch, Mrs. Chesire and Nafula in a celebratory mood. Photo Credit: Pexels |
With a newfound resolve, Aketch and Nafula approached their class teacher, Mrs. Chesire, who listened keenly to them and organized a special class whereby she invited a health expert to talk about menstruation openly, addressing, the fears, myths, misconceptions and the best practices during this phase. The crimson ribbon became a symbol in Ustawi Primary School. Both girls and boys wore it proudly, demonstrating solidarity and camaraderie. They even started a club, the “Crimson Red Ribbon Soldiers,” promoting menstrual hygiene and advocating for better facilities and subsidized menstrual hygiene products such as both reusable and disposable pads, tampons and menstrual cups, while also encouraging male involvement by the boys learning and supporting menstruators.
The word spread like bushfire, and the movement grew to staggering numbers, with lots of menstrual hygiene management activities following. The domino effect was intriguing as the schools around the city adopted the Crimson Red Ribbon, turning it into a powerful emblem of change, courage and resilience.
On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, Aketch stood on the school assembly stage, courtesy of Mrs. Chesire, ribbon in her hand, sharing their inspiring journey. “We broke the silence and advocated for health and dignity, she declared. “And now, we embrace change together for a period friendly world.”
In every school visit, the ribbon depicted a story that captured the attention of most visitors, the ribbon being a promise for a brighter, enlightened and more inclusive future.
Comments
All these require expert knowledge. The teachers could get trained and help in guiding the students, but we have to agree that some matters are better handled by professionals in the field, especially when students become very curious and they need correct replies.
Some students have heard about these disorders, yet they haven't been in spaces whereby it can be explained to them in detail, therefore, for the respect of career, inviting a health expert is a win.
Teachers can handle some topics such as the cycle (inclusive of slants like safe days), Pre- Menstrual Syndrome, Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Amenorrhea and Oligomenorrhea as well as the best practices, as health experts handle the rest, therefore MHM education is multifaceted, requiring best approaches to it.