By Jackline Saleiyan
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the globe.
At *A PACK A MONTH*, we honor the transformative power that lies in the hands of women—the power to overcome challenges, to create, to lead, and to inspire. Today, we recognize the importance of menstrual health and hygiene as a fundamental aspect of women’s dignity and empowerment.
For too long, menstruation has been a taboo subject, often seen as a barrier that keeps young girls from achieving their full potential.
In many parts of the world, including Maasai land, menstruation continues to be a hidden struggle, where access to basic sanitary products is limited, and girls often miss school because they lack the resources to manage their period with dignity.
Through *A PACK A MONTH*, we aim to change this narrative. We empower women by providing sustainable, reusable menstrual pads, crafted with care and community spirit.
This not only ensures that young girls can attend school without disruption but also creates economic opportunities for women who produce these pads, utilizing the rich beading culture of Maasai women.
Today, as we reflect on *this year’s International Women’s Day theme, we are reminded that **gender equality is vital for a better world*—one where women are free from barriers that hinder their education, success, and participation in society. Menstrual health is a critical part of this conversation. It’s about more than just providing products—it’s about restoring dignity, promoting health, and ensuring that no girl or woman is held back because of something as natural as menstruation.
At *A PACK A MONTH*, we believe that small actions—like giving a girl the tools she needs to manage her period—have the power to spark transformative change.
By combining the creativity of Maasai beading traditions with practical solutions for menstrual health, we are crafting a world where women and girls can step forward, proud and empowered.
As we celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, let us commit to breaking the silence around menstruation and ensuring that all women, everywhere, have the resources, education, and support they need to thrive.
Here’s to a world where every woman is empowered, every girl has access to education, and menstruation is no longer a barrier but a topic of strength, solidarity, and pride.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women and girls making a difference, one bead, one pad, and one step at a time.
The author,q Jackline Saleiyan (Jackie Wa Pads) O.G.W
