At thirteen years old, she loved mathematics. She dreamed of becoming an engineer.
But every month, her education was interrupted.
Not because she lacked intelligence. Not because she lacked ambition. But because she lacked sanitary products.
When her period arrived, she stayed home. She worried about stains. She worried about embarrassment. She worried about being laughed at.
Over the course of a year, she missed more than forty school days.
Forty days of learning. Forty days of opportunities. Forty days of confidence.
Period poverty is often invisible. Yet its consequences are profound.
It affects education. Self-esteem. Health. Future opportunities.
When menstrual products and education were finally provided through a community outreach programme, her attendance improved dramatically. So did her confidence.
Today, she still wants to become an engineer. And she is one step closer to achieving that dream.
Sometimes changing a life starts with something as simple as a sanitary pad.