By Korpo Yougie
When experiencing our first period, we may feel nervous and confused because, at that moment, we may have no idea what is going on. We may even feel like we have done something wrong to ourselves to cause this reaction. But the truth is that nothing is wrong with us. Menstruation is a normal process that happens as our bodies grow and develop.
For some girls, the first experience can be frightening because they suddenly notice blood without understanding why it is happening. This is why it is important for girls to learn about menstruation before their first period comes, so they can recognize it and know what to do.
Why telling your parents or guardians can feel difficult
When we get our first period, telling our parents, guardians, or older sisters can be terrifying. We may fear that they will blame us for what our bodies are producing because we do not understand what is happening ourselves.
In Liberia, conversations about menstruation are not always open in every home. Because of fear, embarrassment, or the belief that menstruation is something that should not be discussed, some girls may choose to hide their periods. In some cases, their parents or guardians may end up discovering it for themselves through stained clothes or other signs.
But there is nothing to be ashamed of.
If you have gotten your period, find a trusted adult and simply tell them, “I got my period, and I need your help.” It could be your mother, father, guardian, older sister, aunt, grandmother, or another trusted person. You do not need to feel embarrassed about asking for a sanitary pad, clean underwear, or advice on how to manage your period.
1. How to start the conversation
If saying it directly feels difficult, you can start with simple words. You could say, “Mom, I noticed blood in my underwear, and I think I have started my period.”
If you are too shy to say it face-to-face, you can send a text or WhatsApp message saying, “Mom, I’m shy to tell you this in person, but I started my period. Please, I need your help.”
The important thing is to communicate with someone you trust. Asking for help does not make you weak or immature. It shows that you are taking responsibility for your body.
2. Dealing with your period at school
Dealing with your period at school for the first time can also be difficult. We may worry that if we bleed through our clothes and our classmates see it, they will laugh at us, tease us, or make us feel embarrassed. Unfortunately, this sometimes happens.
But being teased does not mean that we have done anything wrong.
If your period starts unexpectedly at school, do not panic. Find a trusted female teacher, school counselor, nurse, friend, or another responsible adult and ask for help. You can simply say, “Ma, please, I need a sanitary pad. I just started my period.”
Schools should also be places where girls can manage their periods without fear or shame. No girl should be made to feel embarrassed for experiencing a natural part of growing up.
3. Do Not Be Afraid of Your Normality
Our bodies are constantly changing as we grow, and menstruation is one of those changes. We should not be afraid of our normality, and we should not allow anyone to make us feel ashamed of something that is natural.
Instead, we should learn about our bodies, take care of ourselves, and embrace this stage of growing up with confidence.
Parents, guardians, teachers, and communities also have a role to play. By creating safe spaces where girls can openly talk about menstruation, we can help remove the fear and embarrassment surrounding periods in Liberia.
4. You Are Not Alone
To every girl who has just gotten her first period: you are not alone. You have not done anything wrong, and your body is not doing anything wrong.
Talk to someone you trust. Ask questions. Ask for help when you need it. Do not allow fear or embarrassment to prevent you from taking care of yourself.
Your period is not something to be ashamed of. It is a natural part of growing up, and you deserve to experience it with knowledge, support, confidence, and dignity.
