Thousands of young women in Trinidad and Tobago face the monthly challenge of period poverty, with a lack of access to essential menstrual care products potentially affecting their education, confidence and dignity.
Local singer and schoolteacher KellySue is hoping to make a difference through ROCK HER, a benefit concert aimed at raising funds to purchase menstrual care kits for girls attending secondary schools across the country.
The initiative will initially target eight secondary schools, with the aim of providing at least 400 kits and a broader goal of reaching more than 500 young women.
“It is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young women who face a monthly challenge that can affect their confidence, dignity and education,” KellySue said.
The schools identified to benefit are Matelot Community School, Toco Secondary School, Matura Secondary School, Manzanilla Secondary School, Biche Secondary School, Coryal Secondary School, Mayaro Secondary School and Guayaguayare Secondary School.
The initiative aims to distribute 50 kits to each school, with proceeds from ticket sales going towards purchasing the supplies.
The concert, which promotes the theme of loud music, strong women and real change, is scheduled for November 22 at Toppers Restaurant and Bar, Grand Bazaar.
Among the artistes who have volunteered their talents in support of the cause are Raihanna, Valarie Hill, Stef Kalloo, April and Tamu, Tamara Chatar, Yasha, Shay, Michelle John, Meagan Leigh, Sabey, Kavita Gosein, Caroline Singh, Fuse, Stitched, The Anarchists and The Anomaly.
KellySue and the organisers are also appealing to members of the public and corporate entities to support the initiative through sponsorships and donations.
Each period kit is expected to contain sanitary napkins, tampons, panty liners, feminine wipes, feminine wash, intimate deodorant, a period pouch and pain-relief medication.
Based on an estimated cost of $125 per kit, providing 400 kits would require approximately $50,000, although the final expenditure would depend on product availability, quantities and retail prices at the time of purchase.
The campaign’s message is that menstrual care should not be a luxury and that no girl should have to compromise her education, confidence or dignity because she cannot afford essential products.
KellySue is hopeful the concert will attract music lovers while encouraging greater public awareness of period poverty and the need for collective action.
Persons interested in supporting the initiative can contact KellySue at 389-1786.
