Priyal: India, even though is a liberal and progressive country, using the word "sex" still brings shame and disgust to many communities. As a country with a population of 1.3 Billion, with the 3rd largest HIV epidemic in the world, where 2 out of 3 women remain unaware of the process when they begin menstruating, and has the world's largest number of child-brides; we still lack access to medically-accurate information, modern contraception, and menstrual hygiene products as well as access to sexual health expert and legal help. On top of that lies the taboo around the subject.
Natalia: At “period” we address period shame, mental health stigma, and the gender gap in the medical field- falling under PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). PMDD affects approximately 375 million of the world’s population, and currently, an average diagnosis takes 12 years. Symptoms of PMDD include but are not limited to depression or feelings of hopelessness, suicide ideation, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and difficultly concentrating. At “period” we inspire, inform, and share stories of PMDD.
Isaac: Hi Spiffy! I work to promote equitable access to healthcare information and services in historically marginalized communities such as hard-to-reach rural communities, urban slums, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Africa. My initiative shatters cultural, religious, and social barriers that prevent young people from accessing comprehensive sexual and mental health information and services. By providing health education, we are reducing the rate of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion, substance abuse, and untimely deaths, especially among young people.
