By Ruvarashe Charakupa – ZNFPC Student intern studying BSC Social Work at Bindura University of Science Education
Reflecting on the December holiday, one incident still stands out in my mind – the day I helped a girl who was mocked by boys on her first day of menstruation, while we were all on break in December. As a peer educator, I’ve had the privilege of sharing knowledge and experiences with my fellow students, but this particular experience left a lasting impression.
I recall walking into a classroom where students were hanging out during the December break and noticing a group of boys laughing and pointing at a girl sitting alone in the corner. She was crying, clearly distressed, and didn’t know what to do. My heart went out to her, and I knew I had to act fast. I approached her, asked what was wrong, and she hesitantly shared that she had just gotten her period for the first time and the boys had made fun of her.
I took her to a safe space, cleaned her up, and provided her with sanitary pads. But I didn’t stop there. I decided to address the boys who had mocked her, gathering them for an open conversation about menstruation, empathy and respect. “How would you feel if someone made fun of your sister or mother for something she can’t control?” I asked them. The boys looked taken aback, realizing the hurt they had caused. I explained that menstruation is a natural part of life and it’s not something to be ashamed of or mocked.
The boys apologized to the girl, and we had a group discussion about menstrual health management. I shared facts about menstruation, dispelled myths, and encouraged them to be supportive and understanding. It was a powerful moment, seeing the boys transform from mocking and laughing to being empathetic and supportive. As a peer educator, I’ve learned that educating boys about menstruation is crucial in breaking the stigma around it. By involving them in conversations about menstrual health, we’re creating a culture of empathy and support. We’re teaching them to be allies, not bystanders.