It’s That Time of The Month!
Menstrual Health is a subject that is close to my heart and the women at TAI Studio. I know whenever my menstrual cycle symptoms start, I feel depressed and unhappy. I just want to be done with it, you know?
I still remember like it was yesterday when I started my first period. I went to the toilet to pee and then saw blood. Honestly, I freaked out. I didn’t know what to do so I called my sister who then called my mother who provided me with my first pad and gave me advice and tips.
I was having all sorts of emotions; I was scared at the same time as I thought there was something medically wrong with me. I can imagine many girls feeling the same way and perhaps not having the same kind of support from their family as I did.
Through my work at TAI Tanzania I have realized that animation films have a way of reaching out to the public, as there is a sense of emotion and connection you feel when you watch these films.
Video courtesy of TAI studio
Harataki za Lucy is an edutainment series created and produced by TAI Studio and launched in January 2018. It depicts on real life situations and is centered on Lucy as the main character.
The first episode has the theme of menstrual health, which is a taboo topic in Tanzania. Menstruation is not talked about and is seen as dirty and impure. However, this silence and lack of knowledge can lead to misconceptions and in the worst case have serious health consequences for the young girls.
In a recent study involving 100,000 girls in India, almost half of them did not know about menstruation until the first time they got their period (UNICEF, 2016).
I think it’s important for schools to ensure that all girls have access to information on menstrual health management and that they should offer pads or at least guide the girls on different alternatives in maintaining good menstrual hygiene.
Photo courtesy of TAI studios
To achieve this end result, TAI studio is producing animation films on menstrual health under the scope of Tai Tanzania that is supporting girls to stay in school by raising awareness, providing education on Menstrual Hygiene Management, donating sanitary pads and facilitating production of local reusable sanitary pads.
Many girls miss school on every time they have their monthly period. In the end this may affect their performance and make it harder for them to reach their full potential.
It is time for both female and male parents and guardians to change and educate themselves by openly engaging to their children on menstrual education and menstrual hygiene, further the society needs to also stop period shaming.
Video courtesy of TAI studio