Period is considered as a strange disease due to a lack of education. “If my mother was with me, maybe I could discuss my problems with her. Maybe she could help me.” , said Samia, a 15-year-old Bangladeshi girl.
There are widespread myths and false information among girls about menstruation being a strange disease or even a curse in Bangladesh. It makes girls feel helpless when facing their first menstruation.

How Your Gift Help Break Period Poverty and Shaming in Bangladesh
Details of the project are as follows:

• Donate HK$100: Support 9 girls in Bangladesh schools to get access to menstrual hygiene management facilities and sanitary pads, and also use improved toilets with soap and water, so that they can handle menstrual waste properly.


• Donate HK$300: Support 28 students in Bangladesh schools to get access to menstrual hygiene management facilities and sanitary pads, and also use improved toilets with soap and water, so that they can handle menstrual waste properly.


• Donate HK$500: Support 47 students in Bangladesh schools to get access to menstrual hygiene management facilities and sanitary pads, and also use improved toilets with soap and water, so that they can handle menstrual waste properly.


• Donate HK$1,500: Set up and provide hygiene management training for 48 school management committees and student cabinets.


• Donate HK$3,300: Set up an adolescent and hygiene corner in Bangladesh school for girls to take a break, learn about menstruation and get free sanitary products, to educate and raise their awareness on menstruation and girls’ rights.

Some countries are affected by stigma and taboos, girls feel humiliated by menstruation. While some countries see first period as a special moment worth celebrating, it's a coming-of-age event for girls.
Let's get to know each of the first menstrual rituals in various countries.

• Japan: when a girl gets her first period, her mother makes a traditional dish called sekihan, a meal consisting of sticky rice and red beans, symbolizing luck and wishes.


• Israel: the ritual dictates that a girl licks a spoonful of honey. The belief is that by doing so, all her future periods will become ‘easier’ to deal with.


• Iceland: when a girl gets her first period, her mother bakes her a cake in all red and white, celebrating her daughter’s new milestone.

• America: mothers celebrate their daughters’ first period by giving her a special gift or dining out together.


• Croatia: girls celebrate their first bleed by drinking a glass of red wine. It’s a custom followed by the older members of the family.


• Brazil: a girl bleeding for the first time becomes breaking news. Every family member and friend, regardless of gender, must be told about the good news, which is seen more as a ritualistic celebration than anything else.

Allocation of donations

Plan International will allocate donations for designated projects in accordance with the donor’s intent. However, when the designated project is fully funded, additional donations will be used where needed most for more efficient use of resources without prior notice.