We talked about periods, vaginas, self-confidence, media, societal pressures and expectations, and what it's like to be twenty-something women in the twenty-first century. It was an amazing experience for me. I kind of had an a-ha moment and realized that even as a proud feminist it is easy to let societal conventions tell us that there are parts of our body we shouldn't talk about, that we should feel are "ick" or "gross". I realized that we as women need to be proud of our bodies and thankful for all that they do. If we don't love them, no one else will. I realized that there is true power in women getting together and having open and honest discussions.
Being a part of Generation Know made me realize how little information young girls are being given these days about their reproductive health, and how important it is for them to grow up with accurate information and facts instead of the silly myths we've been passing on for generations. Those same young girls grow up into twenty-something women who still don't fully understand their bodies. These same young women grow up to be mothers who are too embarrassed or timid to talk about those same issues with their daughters. It made me realize that my generation can break the cycle. We can say enough is enough and that vaginas and periods and all that "icky" stuff is not something to be ashamed of. It's a part of who we are and it's time we start educating ourselves on it. If I have a little girl some day I want to be able to talk about all the things that were never talked about with me. I want them to know that while having a period is not always fun it is a good thing and it means they're healthy and their body is working like it should. It's kind of funny that having your period ever even became something to be ashamed about. Having your period is a source of power. There is nothing I can think of more powerful and wonderful than having the ability to bring a life into the world. If I have a little boy someday I want them to know that women don't just turn into monsters once a month but that they go through hormonal changes that are preparing them to continue on the circle of life someday. I want him to know that women are not dirty and unclean when that happens, and to treat them with care and respect.
Today I am sharing the videos that were filmed at the event. It's so cool to remember the conversations we had and then to see them transformed into short little video clips. I love these videos. They are honest and real and they have such a great message. I feel so lucky to be a part of this campaign. I truly believe it is doing so much good. I hope the videos make you think, or at the very least laugh at my ridiculous period story. I'm so curious to hear your thoughts.
Question of the Day: What do you wish you had known as a little girl about your period and your body? What do you hope to tell your own little girl (or already tell her) someday?
U by Kotex Brand is committed to empowering girls to change the way the world thinks about periods and vaginas through Generation Know, the first generation of girls comfortable asking questions, gaining real knowledge and spreading information about their health and bodies to others. To get the facts, learn how to make a difference and get a free Generation Know bracelet to symbolize your commitment, visit www.GenerationKnow.com. For every girl that joins, U by Kotex brand will donate to Girls For A Change to continue to create change.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by U by Kotex® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of U by Kotex®.
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