Author name: pantoejr

My name is Josephine K. Barclay, and my story begins in a home without thepresence of my biological parents. My childhood was marked by profound challenges, including the lack of basic necessities like proper clothing. I owned only one long, old dress that I wore every day. When I reached the age of menstruation, I had no understanding of what was happening to my body. With no guidance or access to sanitary products, I tore pieces from mydress to use as pads, making it shorter and shorter. Eventually, I resorted to using my bed sheet and mattress, which led to sores and infections. My struggles became the foundation of my purpose: to ensure that no girl experiences the hardships I faced. Despite my circumstances, I persevered and became college educated. Ilater served as a guidance counselor and school principal, dedicating my life to God and the service of others. Through these roles, I recognized the dire need for menstrual health education and resources in rural Liberia. I observed that many girls were missing school during their periods due to a lack of menstrual products, leading to shame and setbacks in their education.Determined to make a difference, I began using my salary to purchase products for these girls and sought donations from friends to extend my reach.When my salary proved insufficient to meet the growing needs, my daughter and I started sewing reusable pads. Our first attempts were imperfect, but by the third try, we created a product that was comfortable and effective. Encouraged by this success, we began sharing the handmade sanitary pads with others, who appreciated their comfort and functionality. This initiative grew as I distributed these reusable pads to my students and schools, empowering girls with free, washable menstrual hygiene products.