#National News

Period poverty is a pressing global issue …..Gender activist

Jan 11, 2024, 12:13 PM | Article By: Isatou Ceesay Bah

 A gender activist and founder of Fatima’s Pad Drive has disclosed that period poverty or simply lack of access to safe and hygienic menstural products during the monthly periods, remains a pressing global issue that casts a shadow over countless lives.

Fatima Sanneh, who was speaking in a recent interview with The Point, acknowledged that this issue poses formidable challenges, particularly in marginalised, low-income communities.

“This pressing issue demands our attention and collective action.”

She disclosed that raising awareness and sharing information about the issue would help a great deal in changing the status quo and help marginalised communities.

“Period poverty can be achieved through various means like sharing information and educational resources on social media or through our community engagement to help spread awareness.”

She observed that collaborating with local organisations or schools to host workshops or discussions around period poverty is another effective way to engage people.

She recalled that last year, through her NGO theycollaborated with few organisations, primarily focusing on social media campaigns for awareness.

While this approach isn't inherently bad, she added, that their outreach was limited due to financial constraints.

“Fateemah’s Pad Drive heavily relies on donations for all our outreach efforts." she said.

She however, expressed delight that other organisations are also addressing the issue by encouraging more individuals and organisations to join the fight against period poverty in the Gambia.