Selyn Foundation advances fight against period poverty in SL

Sandra Wanduragala

• Launches #BleedGood initiative
• Says commitment extends far beyond simply distributing pads

Sri Lanka this week took a progressive step towards tackling period poverty, with the Selyn Foundation stepping up efforts to redefine access to menstrual hygiene and support for women across Sri Lanka.
The Selyn Foundation this week unveiled its flagship #BleedGood initiative, which marked a pivotal moment in the fight against period poverty while championing sexual and reproductive health rights. 
#BleedGood encompasses an ecosystem of collective humanitarian effort and compassionate advocacy that include the distribution of reusable pads, educational workshops and collaborative effort of multiple stakeholders passionate about making a difference in this critical area.
This goes beyond mere philanthropy; it’s about igniting tangible and lasting changes in the lives of women within our communities and building a larger movement around it. 
“We’ve witnessed firsthand the silent struggles endured by countless women, grappling with the harsh realities of period poverty, with limited access to essential menstrual hygiene products or basic knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

With #BleedGood, the flagship initiative of the Selyn Foundation, our commitment extends far beyond simply distributing pads; it’s about equipping women with the tools, knowledge and unwavering support necessary to reclaim ownership of their reproductive health and wellbeing,” said Selyn and Selyn Foundation Founder Sandra Wanduragala.
At the heart of the project lies the innovative Selyn reusable pad, a product manufactured and tested to international quality standards, offering up to two years of menstrual hygiene solutions. 

This game-changing initiative aims not only to alleviate the financial and emotional burden of period poverty but also empowers the community of rural artisan women, who make the pads within Selyn’s fair trade social enterprise fold. 
Period poverty casts a shadow over the lives of millions of women globally, robbing them of their dignity and basic rights. It’s a multifaceted issue deeply rooted in systemic inequalities and societal stigmas.