Studies from around the world document that most adolescent girls—no matter where they live—get their first menstrual period without adequate information or preparation.

In Ethiopia, menstruation is an awkward subject, embarrassing to talk about and more embarrassing to experience.  If a girl is unprepared for menstruation, her first period can also be frightening.  There is plenty of evidence to suggest that misinformation and negative beliefs about menstruation are widespread in rural areas, but few people have investigated this subject in detail.  Dignity Period intends to change that.

Dignity Period conducted an intensive anthropological study of menstrual beliefs, attitudes and practices in areas of rural Ethiopia in collaboration with anthropologists from Mekelle University.  We found that many people – men and women – do not know what a period is, why it happens, or how to best manage it. Read more below in our community-based study!