A revolution refers to overthrowing a social order in favor of a new system — and that is precisely what I hope to do for girls around the world.
Three years ago, while working in Uganda, I was stunned to see girls dropping out of school because they had nothing to manage their periods. After digging more deeply into the problem, I found that supplies like books and shoes were important, but they had far less value when the very nature of a girl’s gender was being denied.
It quickly became obvious that without addressing this fundamental challenge – without ensuring dignity for girls when menstruating – there would be no gender equality in education…or in the world, for that matter. Once aware of this situation, I felt compelled to act immediately.
Diana says she was determined to improve the lives of girls around the world, like the one pictured here. (Photo courtesy of Be Girl)
Working with what I had on hand, I fashioned a fillable mesh pouch with a waterproof bottom from an umbrella and mosquito netting. It was in the shape of a sanitary pad and could be fastened onto underwear.
(Photo courtesy of Be Girl)
I kept at it. Working side-by-side with the girls, I found that the problem went beyond conventional sanitary supplies – they needed something designed precisely to work with their bodies, cultural practices and available resources. Then, after several design iterations and testing the product with more than 3000 girls in a dozen countries – the prototype has evolved into an extraordinary pair of high performance menstrual underwear – BeGirlPanties…Underwear that truly has the capacity to spark a revolution for girls.
What does the new social order look like post-revolution?
It looks like a place where girls are educated — confident and able to attend to their studies without fear of staining. They and their brothers, mothers and fathers all understand the biology behind menstruation, virtually eliminating the stigma, taboos and shame – periods just are a fact of life, neither good nor bad, carrying no social restrictions. Girls stay in school, delaying childbirth and marriage until they are physically and emotionally ready to be parents and equal partners in spousal relationships. They have healthy children who also go to school and incomes that not only contribute to the wellbeing of their families, but supports their communities and transforms their countries. This is my post-revolution dream.
#ChangeYourUndiesForGood – an underwear revolution for girls!
After designing and testing the BeGirlPanty, I struggled with how to put a pair in the hands of the millions of girls that need them the most. As leaders since the beginning of time have learned, there is no revolution without legions of supporters. So I went back to my drawing board, literally, and designed a companion line of underwear to rally supporters to this cause — a revolution for gender equality and dignity every day of the month for girls. Aptly named the EmpowerPanty line, it is a true one-for-one model where every EmpowerPanty you get (you choose: a traditional, high-end underwear or a period panty) gives a girl the menstrual protection of one BeGirlPanty. Just as TOMS asked their Tribe to put shoes on their feet to help others, I am asking you to change your underwear to change a girl’s life.
(Photo courtesy of Be Girl)
(Photo courtesy of Be Girl)
(Photo courtesy of Be Girl)
So now, are you ready to join the revolution — to change your underwear and change the social order for girls around the world?
It has already begun, so hurry and join the legions – Be Force with Be Girl – by backing the EmpowerPanty Kickstarter project so that every girl can get an education and access opportunities that will change her life.
About the author: Diana Sierra is the co-founder and CEO of social enterprise Be Girl, a company dedicated to empowering women by design. She is a seasoned industrial designer who believes that creating equality within gender is fundamental to achieving equality between genders. As a result, Be Girl’s get one, give one underwear is a First Degree Impact™ program. That means that every Be Girl product given to a girl adheres to the same strict design, quality and performance standards found across all Be Girl products. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.BeGirl.org or #ChangeYourUndiesForGood on Kickstarter now.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
