“Let’s Talk About Sex Baby, Let’s Talk About You and Me”

I got to teach young girls about some things I’ve learned in college!

I’m putting that public health degree to use. You’re probably wondering what I taught. Well if it’s not clear already (read the title again) a teammate and I taught girls about their bodies and sex! You’re probably thinking, “what!? Sex!” Haha and I’m saying, “yes, yes we did.” We taught them through a program called, “Days for Girls”.

Days for Girls started in Africa and has made its way into rural villages around the world. They increase access to menstrual care and education.

It started because there was much need for young women to know more about their bodies, hygiene and education.

A man who lived in Africa and became a doctor went back to his village, and when he went back he visited patients. A few of them were young women. They were suffering and in pain because of their period.

Girls were told by parents and friends that cow manure or ash would help stop the bleeding. The doctor asked if the women had access to any feminine products and the majority of them said no. A woman from the states heard about this and how many other women face difficulties because of a lack of resources. Through hearing these stories she started her program called “Days for girls.”

Many women and girls do not have access to feminine products. Here in Panama we’ve been working with women from rural villages and there are many young girls who can’t afford feminine products. This leads to many issues including girls staying home from school, sitting in a corner until it stops, and using unsanitary items to stop the bleeding.

So, in conclusion my teammate and I taught the young girls about their bodies, the menstrual cycle, sex, prevention and hygiene.

I was personally excited to teach these things because not many people get educated on these specific subjects. Especially sex, it is an important health topic to discuss because specifically here in Panama STIs and HIV/AIDS are very common due to the culture of having multiple wives and the families living in close contact with each other.

Even though these topics could have easily been awkward we made the girls feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued. We had laughs, stories, delicious snacks and plenty of fun. We even translated a lot of the activity cards we made into Spanish to help the girls understand more.

With the program “Days for Girls” they provide women and girls with safe, beautiful, washable, and long-lasting alternatives. These may be something small but they are very important. They help women experience life to the fullest. Along with their pads the girls receive underwear, soap, and washcloths.

When the girls go home from school and head back to their villages they have access to sanitary pads and a few hygiene items and if they already have access to these items they are able to educate and give these items to women who needs them back at home.

It’s beautiful to remind ourselves who we are and how wonderful we have been created. I am thankful for opportunities like this that remind us how special we are as women and how God created us with a great purpose and gift.