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August 22, 2023
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Period Poverty
My name is Rianna De Mel, a passionate and empathetic 23-year-old devoted to supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult challenges. Currently, I work at a well-reputed rehabilitation center, Miduma Rehabilitation Center (which functions under the Archdiocese of Colombo) where I focus on stabilizing and improving the mental well-being of individuals recovering from substance use disorder. My work also extends to supporting survivors of rape, teenage mothers, and children who are either orphans or come from troubled backgrounds.
My academic journey is deeply rooted in a long-standing passion for mental health and human connection. I received my primary and secondary education at Bishop’s College, Colombo, a school that not only prioritized academic excellence but also instilled in me the values of leadership, compassion, and female empowerment. We were taught to lead with integrity and to support others regardless of their background or social status. I am truly grateful to my alma mater for shaping me into the person I am today. During my school years, I actively contributed as a senior prefect and held many leadership positions in multiple clubs and societies, where we worked collectively to help and uplift others.
At the age of 18, while pursuing a foundation program in Health Science through Edith Cowan University, I began gaining practical experience. This early exposure cemented my desire to serve others through psychology. I went on to complete a Diploma in Psychology and Counseling, and I am currently in the final year of my BSc (Hons) in Counseling and Psychology at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM), offered by Coventry University (affiliated university).
I have also undertaken specialized training, including an online course from Harvard University titled Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health, a Diploma in Caregiving, and I have worked at various schools and interned at different mental health institutions and organizations. These educational and practical experiences have deepened both my knowledge and my empathy, equipping me to offer meaningful psychological support to those in need.
I firmly believe that although we live in a world filled with advanced technology and abundant resources, what truly makes a difference in someone’s life is having a person who listens, understands, and stands by them in moments of vulnerability. Mental health is not a luxury—it is a vital part of our overall well-being. Having grown up in
a loving, supportive family that always prioritized my emotional health, I feel immense gratitude. My work is a reflection of that gratitude in being there for others the way my family has always been there for me.
Whether it’s through my professional work or through charitable initiatives aimed at raising awareness on substance abuse and women’s empowerment, my mission remains the same: to create safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I strive to be a voice for the voiceless and a light for those who feel lost in the darkness. Through every life I touch, I hope to remind people that healing is possible—and that they are never alone.
In Sri Lanka, when young girls reach puberty, it is often celebrated by their families and communities—a cultural acknowledgment of womanhood. However, as time passes, menstruation becomes a stigmatized subject. Many girls grow up feeling the need to hide this natural process, sometimes even nervously checking if someone is watching while purchasing sanitary napkins. But why should we be ashamed of something so beautiful? Why should we be afraid to speak openly about the pain, discomfort, and emotional toll that comes with menstruation? And why don’t we talk more about how this very process makes reproduction—and life itself—possible?
Due to the lack of education and broader socioeconomic inequalities in Sri Lanka, many women, especially in rural areas and even in some parts of the Western Province, struggle to afford or access sanitary products. The shame, guilt, and lowered self-esteem that often accompany these experiences can deeply hinder a woman’s ability to move forward in life. Sadly, what is often overlooked is how these social and economic challenges directly affect women’s mental health.
Research shows that nearly 60% of girls in Sri Lanka report feeling anxious, embarrassed, or ashamed due to societal attitudes towards menstruation. These emotions can contribute to ongoing stress, anxiety, and diminished self-worth, further compounding the daily challenges faced by menstruating individuals.
However, there is hope. Our beautiful motherland has come a long way in addressing such stigmatized topics. Mental health, once a subject whispered about in the shadows, is slowly becoming part of public discourse. Thanks to organizations like FEMS and educational institutions such as the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM), awareness is growing. These platforms are helping to break the silence and challenge the stigma—encouraging open, honest conversations about menstruation, women’s health, and emotional well-being.
Menstrual health is often treated as a sensitive taboo, yet it is a vital aspect of girls’ physical and emotional well-being. For me, raising awareness about this issue has been a long-standing passion. When I proposed the idea of a menstrual health campaign as President of the Psychology Society of NIBM, I was thrilled to find that our lecturers, the NIBM management, and my committee members shared that passion. Together we envisioned a program called “Breaking the Cycle” to educate young women about menstrual hygiene while breaking the silence and stigma surrounding it.
As our committee began to plan, it became clear that this would be a true team effort. Our Society’s executive committee, faculty advisers, and the NIBM management all rallied behind the vision. Their enthusiasm was contagious. Senior lecturers offered their guidance and support, and even the campus administration provided logistics support for the campaign. In weekly meetings filled with excitement and dedication, we refined every detail. The name “Breaking the Cycle” captured our mission perfectly – not only referencing the menstrual cycle but symbolizing our goal to end the cycle of shame and misinformation.
Our two-phase initiative started in the Western Province, targeting girls in Colombo schools. On May 28, 2025, we held our first outreach event at Ratnawali Girls’ School. Nearly 200 students from Ratnawali Girls’ School, Clifton Girls’ School, and All Saints’ Girls’ School gathered to be educated and empowered. The energy in the room was palpable. We began by partnering with FEMS Sri Lanka, who graciously donated nearly 200 packs of sanitary napkins for the event. Their generosity was crucial – it meant that every student could go home with free sanitary supplies, reducing period poverty one pack at a time.
During the event, our Society members and guest speakers delivered engaging sessions on both the biological and psychological sides of menstruation. We were honored to have Miss Dilashini Buwanayake, a midwifery-qualified nursing officer, speak about the physical aspects of menstrual health. Her clear explanations helped the girls understand their bodies better.
We also welcomed two psychologists, Dr. Samurddhi Senanayake and Mrs. Venuka Abeyratne, who led interactive workshops on managing the emotional and mental health aspects of menstruation. These experts focused on practical risk factors and coping strategies, ensuring the information was both accurate and relatable.
Throughout the session, the students were deeply engaged. They asked thoughtful questions and even shared their own experiences, breaking down barriers of silence. By the end of the day, many expressed relief at being able to talk openly – “It feels good to discuss these things without shame,” one student remarked. We also provided refreshments and snacks for everyone, thanks to a sponsorship by Munchee Sri Lanka. This small gesture of sharing biscuits and smiles helped create a warm, supportive atmosphere.
By reaching these 192 young women, we took an important first step. Menstruation had often been spoken of as “a forbidden illness” in our community, and many girls had grown up feeling ashamed. Our campaign aimed to replace those feelings of shame with knowledge and pride.
This inspiring launch is just the beginning. In Phase II of Breaking the Cycle, we will extend our program to rural schools across Sri Lanka. Rural communities often have even less access to menstrual education and resources, so this next phase is crucial. We aim to reach at least 2,500 students in the coming months, bringing the same model of education and sanitary support to more remote areas. Our hope is that by empowering girls in villages – and by engaging community leaders and teachers – we can foster long-term change.
Planning for Phase II is already underway. We are coordinating with local school boards and community organizations to identify schools and arrange logistics. We are hoping to partner with organizations like FEMS Sri Lanka again to secure more donations of sanitary napkins. We also aim to involve additional guest speakers and counselors so that every session addresses both the physical and mental health sides of menstruation. Our commitment is to make every girl feel respected and informed, no matter where she lives.
None of this would have been possible without our incredible team and partners. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who went above and beyond to make Breaking the Cycle a reality.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Viran Perera, Ms. Shadmi Wijayawardhana and Mrs. Oshani Pitadeniya, — our lecturers — for their continuous guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this journey. Their support gave us the resources and confidence to launch this initiative. They provided guidance, funding for materials, and logistical help when we needed it most. A special note of appreciation goes to Dr. Samira
Wijayasiri, Director of Innovations and Linguistics at the National Innovation Center (NIBM), for his unwavering encouragement and mentorship throughout the planning stages, guiding us with clarity, purpose, and belief in our vision
Our guest speakers and resource persons – Miss Dilashini Buwanayake, Dr. Samurddhi Senanayake, and Mrs. Venuka Abeyratne: Their expertise and compassion turned our event into a meaningful learning experience for the girls.
FEMS Sri Lanka: From the very beginning, FEMS believed in our vision and donated nearly 200 packs of sanitary napkins. They also helped our participants understand the biological aspects of menstrual hygiene.
Munchee Sri Lanka: By providing snacks and biscuits, Munchee showed that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment.
My committee: These fellow students worked tirelessly – designing materials, spreading the word, managing logistics, and standing by me day and night. They modeled dedication and empathy, and I am so proud of how they represented women in psychology.
Together, we turned an idea into reality. In moments of doubt or challenge, it was the belief of this team that kept us going. Witnessing our vision come to life – seeing young girls leave with smiles, notebooks full of notes, and sanitary pads in hand – reminded us that every ounce of effort was worth it.
Period poverty is more than just a lack of access to sanitary products—it’s a deeply rooted issue tied to education, mental health, shame, and gender inequality. It affects a girl’s self-worth, her attendance at school, and her long-term confidence. But the good news is we all have a role to play in ending it.
As individuals, our first responsibility is empathy. Be there for someone. Never say that you don’t have time for them. Be a light. Whether it’s a friend who feels embarrassed about her period, or a student who misses school because she can’t afford sanitary pads your presence, your voice, and your compassion can be powerful tools of change. Normalize talking about menstruation. Speak up when someone jokes or shames it. Educate yourself and others. Sometimes, being a safe space for someone is the most radical act of support.
In schools, comprehensive menstrual education should be embedded into health curricula early on—not just for girls, but for boys too. Schools can provide free sanitary products, create supportive restrooms, and ensure teachers are trained to respond with sensitivity and knowledge. Initiatives like Breaking the Cycle, led by student societies such as ours at NIBM, prove that schools can be agents of change and empowerment.
Corporates and brands can make a huge difference by sponsoring free hygiene kits, running awareness campaigns, or contributing to community programs. As we continue working with brands like FEMS Sri Lanka, we’ve seen how partnerships can amplify impact and reach the grassroots level effectively.
Media must shift the narrative around menstruation from taboo to truth. Campaigns that highlight real stories, challenge cultural stigma, and celebrate womanhood can transform public perception. Visibility matters.
Government and policymakers need to treat menstrual health as a public health and human rights issue—not just a women’s issue. This includes subsidizing menstrual products, mandating education policies, supporting grassroots campaigns, and funding research into menstrual health challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Community-based organizations are often the heart of real change. They understand the ground realities and are deeply connected to the people. Collaborating with them ensures that support reaches the most vulnerable—especially girls in rural areas, refugees, and low-income families.
So, ask yourself:
Can I be the reason a girl doesn’t skip school this month? Can I be the voice that breaks silence? Can I be the light?
Because together, we can not only reduce period poverty, we can end it.
“Mental health isn’t a weakness to hide – it’s a strength to embrace. Speak, feel, fight, and heal. The world needs your light.”
Phase II is not just an event, it’s a movement. It strives to ensure that every school becomes a safe space for open conversations about menstruation, mental health, and womanhood. Through targeted workshops, awareness sessions/ videos, and collaborative programs with institutions and grassroots organizations, we aim to reach more schools across the country, educating and uplifting young girls who deserve to know that they are not alone, ashamed, or unheard—but supported, seen, and celebrated.
The psychology society of NIBM is hoping to continue working alongside FEMS Sri Lanka and our beloved community at NIBM, who have continuously shown unwavering support for this cause. Together, we believe in raising a generation that can “bleed with pride,” not in shame.
As part of our commitment to emotional wellness, the Psychology Society is also launching a heartfelt campaign in September—Suicide Prevention Month. With suicide rates on the rise, especially among women struggling with depression, anxiety, and emotional instability, we cannot stay silent.
We are also organizing a Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk and a Musical Evening Fundraiser. These initiatives are aimed at reminding every individual of their inherent worth, resilience, and the hope that still exists even in the darkest times. The funds raised will be directed towards future mental health advocacy projects across the island.
Both these efforts Breaking the Cycle Phase II and the Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk & Show are part of our unwavering commitment to build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Sri Lanka.
We humbly invite you educators, students, organizations, artists, mental health advocates, corporate leaders, and all changemakers to walk with us, sing with us, support us, and help make this vision a reality. Whether through sponsorships, partnerships, resource contributions, or volunteer support, you can be the reason a girl feels proud, and a soul chooses life.
Our journey has just begun, and with our collaborative spirit, there’s no limit to the impact we can make.
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