Hello, my name is Nadia Armstrong, and I’m renowned for the information I provide on women’s health during periods so that adolescent girls will be prepared for their first period.
Although nearly half of the world’s population menstruates at some point in their lives, Menstruation presents significant challenges when people lack the knowledge, tools, infrastructure, and social support they need to manage their menstrual health and wellbeing in a safe and respectable manner.
Throughout my life, I’ve realised that menstruation has long been associated with stigma, misconceptions, myths, and taboo.
Some of the most common misconceptions about periods are:
- Avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing or clothing that is too tight.
- No participation in sports.
The onset of menstruation means a new phase – and new vulnerabilities – in the lives of adolescents. During this time many girls don’t know how to use pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. So, due to the lack of comprehensive menstrual education, many children and teenagers are ill-prepared to handle their periods.
During this time, they have a lack of energy, severe cramps, pain, and other physical symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and nausea, and these are barriers that prevent them from participating in physical activities and attending their schools.
To address the issue of menstrual wellbeing, my focus is to provide accurate information on menstrual health and hygiene so that adolescent girls, transgender and non-binary individuals can know about menstruation before it begins and can manage their menstruation safely and with dignity.
Our goal is to create a world where girls may learn, play, and protect their own health without having to deal with stress, shame, or unnecessarily high barriers to knowledge or supplies while they are menstruating.