Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I witnessed firsthand the impact that lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education had on girls’ lives. Many girls were forced to miss school each month, not because of illness, but simply because they didn’t have the means or support to manage their periods with dignity. This silence around menstruation only perpetuated shame and barriers to education and empowerment. That’s why initiatives like Her Dignity Matters are so critical. By fostering open conversations and providing affordable sanitary products, we help eliminate the taboo that surrounds periods. Community involvement is essential; engaging families, schools, and local leaders can create a supportive environment where girls feel confident and included. Moreover, addressing period poverty can have ripple effects beyond just education. When girls are empowered to participate fully in school and community activities, it uplifts entire families and communities, breaking cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Supporting movements like She Thrives means supporting girls’ rights to health, education, and dignity, which is a fundamental part of women empowerment. Through personal experience and collective effort, I have seen how sharing stories and resources can ignite real change. It’s encouraging to see global solidarity around this issue, with more people understanding that menstruation is a natural, manageable part of life—not something to be hidden or ashamed of. If you want to be part of this change, educating others and advocating for better policies to support menstrual health are great places to start. Together, we can create a world where no girl feels held back or ashamed because of her period.