Mothers, Daughters & Period Talks: Building a Positive Dialogue in the Face of Period Poverty

Every young girl navigates that time in her life when she gets her first period. It is usually a very emotional challenge not to mention the physical changes. Mothers as the closest women, are almost always able to help ease the anxiety and guide her daughter towards managing periods as a biological function.

Yet this opportunity doesn’t always present itself to thousands of young girls who face prejudice and stigma associated with period poverty in her own family and her own community.

Mothers can reach out to their daughters in a way that does not encourage stigma but educate her on the need to manage menstruation as a regular, monthly event in her life. As the world connects more and more and brands such as Fems engage with communities in breaking the prejudice around periods, the mother daughter bond can be strengthened with greater awareness around period poverty.

Talking positively about the physical changes

Research conducted by UNICEF shows that if girls do not obtain clear and factual information about their first period, they may be more anxious and disturbed about menstruation. Period poverty is very much a present issue for many communities around the world including Sri Lanka.

Mothers can play a key role in minimizing the stigma through addressing areas such as:

• Explain the process of menstruation as a regular physical process

• Reinforce the message that menstruation is something natural and nothing to worry about.
• Teach best practices to follow during menstruation, from managing the period and wearing the sanitary pads to correct disposal and hygiene practices.

How can the conversation be started?

Choose the right moment to get the conversation going.  It cannot and shouldn’t be rushed but rather, approached as a friendly topic of interest for the daughter.

Using age appropriate words and language is vital to de-mystify the process and debunk the myths. Your child may already know life facts from friends and online resources so it is best to try to listen to what she has to say.

Explaining the process of menstruation and what things should be taken into consideration during the time of menstruation is vital.

Set up a period kit together – Make it a practical experience and a shared one. Put together the sanitary towels, hand sanitizer and a few other things she may need if she gets her period while out of the house.

Keep the conversation going – Mothers and daughters are connected by a lot more than just one conversation about a physical process they both share. Keep talking and keep the momentum going.

Period Poverty: What Mothers Need to Know and Do

In Sri Lanka and globally, many girls skip school or lose confidence because they lack access to sanitation, private changing spaces or affordable menstrual products.

How mothers can take practical steps to ensure their daughters are well prepared –

Let her have access to a period kit made ready at all times. She should know where it is in case no one available at home.

Ensure she has support in school for those days when menstruation occurs sometimes without her knowledge.

Assure her of what steps she must take if she gets her period while away from home.

Let her be constantly briefed that menstruation is not something to be ashamed of, rather a physical process that sometimes needs support.

What to Say (and What Not to Say)

Do say: “This is something every woman experiences.” “You can still do everything you normally do.” “If you ever feel unsure or uncomfortable, I’m here.”
Don’t say: “It’s dirty/impure.” “You must hide it.” “You can’t do sports or go out.” Such comments reinforce shame, stigma and fear. 

Mothers have immense influence in shaping how daughters view their bodies and menstruation. By starting the conversation early, choosing clear language, preparing practically, and acknowledging the reality of period poverty, you shift the narrative from fear and hiding to confidence and preparedness.

For your daughter, this talk is more than education: it’s empowerment. For the wider community, it becomes a step toward fairness and dignity. Periods are part of life, and access to proper products, knowledge and support should be too.

Check Related Articles:

Empowering communities in the North East and Upcountry with awareness on normalizing menstruation