I started my period when I was about age thirteen. For many years, I used tissue paper as my “sanitary pad.” Sometimes I cut old clothes into small pieces and used those as sanitary pads. I used these “alternatives” because buying “real” sanitary pads was impossible.

In the first picture below, I am the 3rd girl from the left in the group photo with my classmates. On the day the picture was taken, I remember being on my period. To protect against leaks and stains, I lined my underwear with a piece of cloth and some folded tissues. (I kept extra rolls of tissue in my bag so I could change regularly. The purpose of the piece of cloth was to prevent leakage to my underwear.)

As was true for most students, I had a clique of friends with whom I went everywhere (the cafe, the playground, and even the toilet during break time). I never felt free to use the toilet with my friends around because I would have been too embarrassed if they found out what I used for protection.

I know there are many girls like me out there, unable to afford and/or access proper supplies with which to manage their menstruation.

Earlier this year, JumokeCares Foundation took 200 sanitary pads to the girls at my old school(Command Day Secondary School) I know amongst them there will still be girls like me who don’t have access to or cannot afford to buy sanitary materials.

The health teachers and other hygiene instructors explained the importance of proper hygiene during menstruation.

Looking through the pictures taken I can feel myself in their shoes.

into the eyes of the girls to whom we spoke, I could feel myself in their shoes.