The first time I had my period I wasn't sure what to do. I only knew how to wear a pad because always guys had visited our school and taught us how to. In my head I thought it would be easy as they explained it, but experiencing it was something different: I was in pain, my moods were all over, and I just found myself crying.

My guardian only gave me a rag and told me to use it as a pad. At that point I really didn't see anything wrong with it. I just knew even a rag could work. A year later I comprehended everything, and after I had a couple of menses still using rags I started feeling disgusted by myself.

"I was in pain, my moods were all over, and I just found myself crying."

I needed sanitary towels. They were meant to give me some sort of sanity and comfort during my menses, but my guardian really didn't provide pads for me so I didn't have any choice. So for almost six years I was using rags, and honestly it was the worst time for me. The discomfort, lack of proper hygiene, feeling disgusted and grossed out by yourself, the fear of waking up to my school uniform being in a mess, and even the shame for all this time every month I got to feel all this on top of very bad cramps.

"So for almost six years I was using rags, and honestly it was the worst time for me."

Today I literally walk into a supermarket and buy myself the best pads. I have my menses routine, because it is important, but also because it was a promise I made to myself those days when rags were my pads. On this Menstrual Hygiene Day my hope is that our future young girls and even women won't have to use rags, it soak themselves in soil, and that they will be able to access menstrual hygiene commodities and information.

That was my experience when I started periods ... What was yours? What are you doing today to make the difference either for yourself or for women around you?

"What are you doing today to make the difference either for yourself or for women around you?"