Half Way Tree was a sea of red as the Period Awareness Day advocates stepped out to help break the stigma and shame associated with menstruation. Led by Author, activist and Founder of HerFlow, Shelly-Ann Weeks, the group were equipped with placards bearing positive period phrases like “PERIOD IS NOT A DIRTY WORD”.
Sponsors showed up also with gifts for the commuters going to work and school. Kotex brought Period Kits for every school girl and woman wearing red.
Kotex Period Kits ready for distribution
Cetamol Menstrual had small packets and were well received by some of the women who were working at some of the stalls along the road.
Lasco Curves brought samples for very happy women travelling through Half Way Tree.
Ladies from Lasco Curves
It was amazing to see a few men showing support to the group saying how important they think period awareness is to young people. The group traversed between Constant Spring Road and Half Way Tree Road stopping and interacting with Jamaicans going about theirs business.
“I am so overwhelmed with the support and I am thankful to see how open people are becoming when it comes to periods,” says Weeks when she reflects on the day.
Period Awareness Day continued with the Miss Kitty Live Outside Broadcast at Megamart Waterloo, hosted by Chris Johnny Daley who filled in for the Fluffy Diva.
“I am very happy to lend my voice to this effort because real man don’t have any problem wid periods!” He said while on air.
Several customers came in just to purchase menstrual products and made donations to HerFlow’s drive to End Period Poverty in Jamaica.
Latoya Smith, Sponsor Stayfree’s Brand Manager stated her commitment to support HerFlow. “We have been on board since day one and have watched the movement grow so we are very happy to continue or collaboration. It’s our way of giving back to our customers.”
Biore’s Brand Manager, Mrs Tina McLymonth was also happy to be a sponsor. “Skin issues is one of the symptoms that women experience with periods so it made sense that we partnered with HerFlow as education is such a big part of their program. Biore is also a part of the Live Safe College Tour and we are very happy with the partnership.”
“We are on track to donate 100,000 period kits by the end of 2019 and we are thankful for all the support. Period Awareness Day has become an important date on the calendar and as the movement grows, we intend to help more Jamaicans.” Says a very excited Shelly-Ann Weeks as she looks at the activities of the day.