Amika George and Malala Yousafzai discuss periods and crazy menstruation myths

Amika speaks to Malala about her fight to see every girl in school and how menstruation affects girls’ education.

At age 17, Amika George discovered that many girls in the U.K. miss school while on their periods because they can’t afford the cost of menstrual products. Determined to ensure that menstruation doesn’t stop girls from reaching their full potential, she began the Free Periods movement to raise awareness about period poverty. After a peaceful protest, lobbying the government and an upcoming legal case, the U.K. government pledged that starting in 2020, every student in the country will have access to free period products in schools. But Amika didn’t stop there. Now she is expanding her efforts around the world to break stigmas around periods. For Assembly’s special issue on menstruation, Amika spoke with Malala about her fight to see all girls in school and how menstruation affects girls’ education. 

Amika George (AG): We know that when a girl has access to education, she improves not only her life prospects, but can really impact her community in the most remarkable way. Despite this, there appears to be a reluctance on the part of governments across the world to really invest in the education of girls. Why are we not seeing enough progress and why are there still so many barriers to access quality education?

Malala Yousafzai (MY): Leaders often focus their efforts on solving issues like poverty or war — pressing problems that people can see. But often leaders don’t realise that sending girls to school can help solve these “bigger” issues. Educating all girls will help create jobs and boost the global economy by $30 trillion. It will help slow the effects of climate change. It will reduce poverty and cut the risk of war in half in developing countries.

With more activists speaking out for girls’ right to learn than ever before, we are making progress. But it takes time to shift cultural norms and get governments big and small to reorganise their financial priorities.

AG: I have seen first-hand how much can be achieved when girls stand together for each other. We can lift each other up, and we can make things better for each other. As a community of girls who want to help each other, how can we support girls who do not have the educational opportunities they deserve?

MY: Show your support for organisations that are helping to get more girls into classrooms by fundraising for them or participating in their digital awareness campaigns. If you’re of voting age, get to know your country’s candidates and support the one who will improve education and gender equity. You can also share the stories of girls who are doing impressive work. When more people can see what educated girls can do, it helps normalise girls’ achievements and reminds people why education is so valuable.

AG: The onset of menstruation in a young girl’s life appears to be a real obstacle to her accessing her education. In some countries, besides not being able to afford pads, she often faces teasing from classmates, lack of private bathrooms and unsupportive teachers. How do we change this? How do we empower girls during their period and encourage schools to prioritise menstrual health management?

MY: During my trip to Ethiopia in July, I attended a workshop run by Sara Eklund, who founded the organisation Noble Cup to distribute menstrual cups and advocate for menstrual-friendly policies in Ethiopia. The girls I met at her workshop told me how it is difficult to manage their periods at school without menstrual products or proper toilet facilities — and how Noble Cup is helping them stay in school. We need to support the work of local female leaders like Sara who are leading the fight to ensure that menstruation doesn't stop girls from completing their education.

At a workshop run by Noble Cup in Ethiopia, Malala and a classroom full of girls discussed periods, tested menstrual products and decorated “Every Queen Bleeds” posters. (Courtesy of Malin Fezehai / Malala Fund)

AG: Since I started Free Periods two years ago, I have heard the most unbelievable myths and superstitions that are still, in 2019, bound up in menstruation. I’ve heard that if you have your period and you touch a chilli plant, it will die, you can’t make sushi because it won’t taste authentic, and my favourite: you should never go camping while menstruating because bears can smell the blood. What is the most ridiculous period myth you’ve heard?

MY: Those are some ridiculous myths! I haven't heard a lot of stories like those, but I have encountered something equally concerning: a taboo on talking about menstruation at all. The sense that it's unclean or shameful and something that should never be discussed is really harmful to girls.

AG: Why do you think we are so ashamed of our period? Free Periods is fighting against the taboo by encouraging people to share their period stories on social media, but there is so much shame and embarrassment around our period. We are so much more comfortable as a society with issues that were previously off limits, but why is it that period taboo is still very much entrenched?

MY: This problem stems from poor menstrual education. Often girls are not taught its biological purpose at school. Instead they get misinformation, like the myths you mentioned, or are told nothing at all and have no idea what is happening to their bodies. In far too many countries, girls aren’t allowed to go to class during their periods because they are deemed “unclean” or school buildings lack proper toilet facilities and menstrual hygiene products.

Almost half the world’s population menstruates for an average of 40 years, so both girls and boys should be taught that periods are normal. Like so many things, the answer is education.

AG: You’ve achieved an incredible amount at a young age, and you’ve shown immense courage and unparalleled conviction in fighting for the rights of girls everywhere. Where do you find your strength when things look bleak?

MY: I look to girls like you — young leaders working to solve the issues you see in our society. It reminds me that I am not alone. Girls everywhere are brave, resilient and will keep pushing for progress no matter what barriers they encounter. Support from my family and friends also helps!