The first Period Awareness Day was started on October 24, 2016 by Shelly-Ann Weeks, Author, Activist and Founder of HerFlow Foundation to address the stigma and shame associated with Periods. The activities have been expanded to include Period Awareness Week – October 18-24 and Period Awareness Month –October. In the first year, HerFlow visited 3 schools and donated products to 3 locations.
HerFlow Team Member interacting with students in Half Way Tree
This year, Period Awareness Day activities included the distribution of 200 pouches filled with menstrual products to mainly school girls and homeless women.
“The pouches were made using old jeans donated by individuals from the public and made by designer Bresheh. We are so happy to be able to directly make a difference to girls, especially those who are directly affected by Period Poverty.” Says Shelly-Ann Weeks.
Shelly-Ann Weeks holding a Happy Period Pouch
In addition to the pouches, the HerFlow team is very active on social media with their #SpotThePeriod Campaign,where they designed a Period Mascot and sparks a conversation with individual form the public on Period Awareness Day. Persons were able to win prizes from Stayfree and Lasco Curves when they post a photo with the “Period” on social media.
The next Period Awareness Day is scheduled for October 24, 2019.