Menstruation Matters: Unpacking period poverty and paths to change

Period poverty is a global issue. It is a topic which intersects deeply with health, education, gender equality, and human rights. Join us in our next Gender Community of Practice as we hear from activists and practitioners about breaking taboos, sustainable solutions and creating space for learning.

Too often, menstruation is surrounded by stigma, silence, and shame. But beyond that, millions of people who menstruate face real, everyday barriers: affording menstrual products, accessing clean water and sanitation as well as lacking accurate information and education about menstrual health.

These challenges negatively affect school attendance, mental and physical health, and participation in society, reinforcing gender inequality and deepening cycles of poverty.

In this session, we’ll:

• Hear from a diverse panel of activists and practitioners
• Highlight personal stories, campaign efforts in Wales, and powerful Welsh-African partnerships working to break taboos and create change
• Discuss practical and sustainable solutions
• Create space for discussion and exchange, learning from one another’s experiences.

We’ll explore how period poverty is a shared challenge affecting women and girls in Wales, across Africa, and around the world, how we can act in solidarity to drive meaningful and inclusive change to make menstruation safe, supported, and stigma-free for all.

Speakers

Chair: Oreoluwa Ojelade

Diaspora & Inclusion Officer at Hub Cymru Africa

Ore’s work focuses on advocacy, social justice, and community engagement. She is passionate about working with African diaspora communities in Wales and delivering initiatives that promote inclusion, equity, and cross-cultural collaboration. Committed to anti-racism, diaspora engagement, and women’s empowerment, Ore works to create meaningful community impact.

Delyth Pannett

UK Country Coordinator at Days for Girls UK

With over 15 years’ experience as an education professional and consultant in Wales, the UK and internationally, Delyth is deeply committed to supporting individuals and communities through education and sustainable solutions.

Her work involves coordinating Days for Girls UK’s volunteer teams, managing the global distribution of reusable menstrual health kits, and developing the UK’s advocacy and menstrual health education strategies. Delyth has lived and worked abroad in countries including Azerbaijan and Angola, and originally joined Days for Girls as a Voluntary Team Leader.

Mariama Djelo Bah

Interim Country Representative of URBOND in Guinea

URBOND is a multi award winning charity promoting racial harmony and diversity. It creates opportunities for young people and helps children access education.

In Guinea, Mariama leads initiatives to improve access to education and promote the well-being of children, particularly girls. Since 2019, URBOND has built schools, provided learning resources and tackled gender disparities in education. Under its child education initiative, the organisation has been providing reusable sanitary kits to schoolgirls. Through a partnership with Days for Girls UK, URBOND has begun producing these kits locally, not only addressing period poverty but also creating employment opportunities for local women. Mariama has also led numerous workshops on menstruation, sexual education and FGM, empowering girls with essential knowledge and life skills.

Molly Fenton

Founder of Love your Period

Molly Fenton BCAh is a Welsh period activist, speaker, and founder of Love Your Period, a campaign dedicated to ending period stigma and promoting menstrual education for all. She started her activism as a teenager after seeing how shame and misinformation around periods affected young people, and campaigned for what today is the Welsh Government Scheme of Period Proud Wales. Through Love Your Period, Molly and a group of formidable young people has led workshops, school talks, and social media campaigns that empower others to speak openly about menstruation and push for period dignity across Wales.

“In recognition of her impact, Molly was awarded the British Citizen Award for Services to the Community (BCAh). Her work continues to inspire a new generation to take pride in their bodies, challenge taboos, and demand menstrual equity for everyone.

About the Gender Community of Practice

Hub Cymru Africa’s Community of Practice is a safe, brave and inclusive space for learning and sharing among those engaged in promoting gender equality, gender justice, and women’s empowerment through global solidarity projects.

We meet 3 to 4 times a year, each time focusing on a different theme.

We welcome suggestions for topics, speakers, and feedback. This is your space too.