Marley Dias is all smiles with St James High student
14 Year Old Author and Activist, Marley Dias joined forces through the GrassROOTS Community Foundation with HerFlow Foundation for the Invest In Girls Summit held at St. James High Schools, Montego Bay on April 15, 2019. The group visited the high schools bearing gifts of menstrual products for 400 girls at the school.
“I was very excited to meet the young ladies at the school because I can relate to some of the challenges that they face growing up. I know I’m fortunate enough to give back and I am honored to help.” A smiling Marley says about her visit the St. James High School.
Taking a break from distributing Period Kits, Dr Janice Dias smiles for the camera
The GrassROOTS Community Foundation founded by Marley’s mother Dr Janice Johnson Dias who was born in Jamaica herself and wanted to give back to her home.
“It’s important for me to keep connected to my roots and giving back is the best way that I can do so. I know that Period Poverty is real and we are so happy to partner with HerFlow Foundation because of the amazing work that they have already started.” Explains Dr Johnson-Dias. “We will be going to Haiti and Ghana later this year as a part of our outreach.”
HerFlow Founder and Author, Shelly-Ann Weeks presents her book It’s My Body. Period. to happy student
In addition to the menstrual kits, there was a quick session about periods lead by HerFlow Foundation Founder and Author Shelly-Ann Weeks.
“It’s important that we normalize conversations about periods because that is the only way we can address the stigma and shame still associated with periods.” Weeks explains. “We are so thrilled that the GrassROOTS Community Foundation has partnered with us for this particular summit because it’s not always possible for us to reach all schools, due to budgetary limitations.”
GrassROOTS Community Foundation Director, Lisa Maxwell takes a selfie with happy St. James High students
The Invest In Girls Summit is an initiative created as a part of a partnership between HerFlow Foundation and the GrassROOTS Community Foundation to ensure that girls have the tools they need to function at their optimum – including menstrual products.