Period poverty is very real and it’s sad to say that some of us might be a little too privileged to acknowledge that.
One might ask, what is period poverty? According to Medical News Today, it is “a lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities and/or waste management.” The issue of period poverty has erupted as it had been recently highlighted in parliament and all over social media.
Back in 2020, as reported by The Guardian, the government of New Zealand announced that they will be providing free sanitary products in schools in an effort to end period poverty. Although such an initiative is yet to be introduced in Malaysia, this move has inspired three Malaysian women to do the same.
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, the three women (who choose to remain anonymous) are part of ‘Wanita Boleh’. They told us:
“We thought about how unfair it is for us women to have to pay for pads that can sometimes be incredibly costly to help us in our periods (that we have no choice and no control over) and it happens regularly in our daily lives.”
After mulling over it and talking to other women, the trio decided that they would start an initiative where they give out free pads to women who are in need. This led to the establishment of initiative ‘Wanita Boleh’ in August 2021.
How it started
At first, the trio bought sanitary pads in bulk from e-commerce sites and distributed them to workers and others in need in the neighbourhood. Those who had received helped by Wanita Boleh had then spread the news and with time, the trio started helping those who are outside of their neighbourhood, such as women working in mamaks, road sweepers, etc.
When friends and family of the three women got to know of this initiative, they were supportive and did their best to donate funds. One of the family members of the women, is a food delivery rider who helped to distribute pads to those who are staying a little further away.
Within these three months, they recounted that they have helped more than 200 women and have distributed more than 500 packets of pads!
How you can help
If you want to be a part of this cause, you can donate some funds to Wanita Boleh which will go towards the purchase of pads. You can do so by messaging them on their socials (Twitter & Instagram) or the number noted in the posters.
Apart from that, they have also told us that there may be volunteering opportunities in the future and those who are interested can follow them on their social media pages.
This is certainly a very good cause. If you have any spare change or you’re looking to do some good, consider Wanita Boleh!
Also read: Zahid Hamidi’s Daughter Dismisses Period Poverty Claims In Malaysia, Says Pads Are ‘Cheap’
