Book explains periods to parents and children
The topic of menstruation has never particularly been the easiest of topics amongst adults thus spilling into lack of information being passed to next generations of children.
Whether religious or cultural, menstruation has been considered, until recently, a mostly taboo subject. With many taking up the cause to de-stigmatize a natural bodily function, it has become essential to speak to our youth about the effects of menstruation in society, through GBV & abuse, on women’s bodies as well as financially.
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Three women from different walks of life, as well as fields of work, have come together to ensure the message of menstruation and its effects are loudly publicized through a new book, 'Tidi Talks: Periods'.
Businesswoman & women empowerment warrior, Farah Fortune, Paediatrician Intern, Dr. Nokukhanya Khanyile & Teacher, Thandazile Ndlovu came together in August 2021, after Farah had decided through her work with her NPO, The Pad Run, that the youth, boys & girls, needed further education on menstruation. She called Dr. Nokukhanya to ask her for help on the medical side of the book and in turn, Dr. Nokukhanya roped in Thandazile, so the language of the book was age appropriate. The three ladies scheduled zoom calls over the next year writing the book over zoom calls. Thandazile & Farah met in person only 3 weeks prior to the launch of the book. Wanting to make sure the book provided other opportunities, Naledi Zondo was chosen from over six hundred entries to illustrate 'Tidi Talks: Periods'. Naledi was 17 years old at the time she started the book, turned 18, and went through matric prelims, all whilst illustrating the book.
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The book itself is a ‘how-to guide’ for parents to help them navigate the conversation with a step-by-step guide provided with the book. The book is also written for children to easily read & ask questions without fear of non-acknowledgment.
With such an important topic covered, Organon (here for her health) came on board to collaborate with' Tidi Talks: Periods' launches, to highlight their commitment to health for women and girls. MD of Organon Abofele Khoele says, "Organon is proudly here for her health and invested in creating a better and healthier every day for every woman. As a part of our commitment to empowering and equipping young women about their health, we are pleased to endorse the 'Tidi Talks Periods' book launch."
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