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Project Period Ease
(IN COLLABORATION WITH STICHTING SOCIAAL CULTURELE ACTIVITEITEN ZOETERMEER)
Period poverty is a global problem, with millions of women and girls being held back and even endangered by not being able to afford basic menstrual care. At Mahé, we believe that every person deserves access to basic menstrual care, education, and dignity. Our Period Empowerment Project was created to combat period poverty and break the stigma surrounding menstruation. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are making a real difference in the lives of women and girls in Zoetermeer, Bali, and Suriname.
Tackling Period Poverty
Period poverty is a global issue that affects millions of people who cannot afford basic menstrual products. Lack of access forces many to miss school, work, and social activities, reinforcing gender inequality. At Mahé Studio, we are committed to changing this by providing menstrual supplies and raising awareness about period health and empowerment.
The Cultural Stigma Around Menstruation
For centuries, menstruation has been wrongly viewed as something impure in many cultures and religions. In Hinduism, Judaism, and some indigenous traditions, menstruating individuals were (and sometimes still are) isolated, banned from temples, or restricted from certain activities due to misconceptions about cleanliness.
These beliefs stemmed from a lack of medical understanding, where people assumed menstrual blood was dangerous or polluted. The truth is menstruation is a natural and essential bodily function. It symbolizes fertility, strength, and the continuation of life. By educating communities and normalizing conversations about periods, we help break the cycle of shame and silence.
Our Mission
Founded in 2020 by Pritha Maheswari and Sham Hira from SSCAZ, the Period Empowerment Project started in Zoetermeer before expanding to Bali and Suriname. We aim to provide menstrual products and education while breaking harmful taboos.
2024 Progress: Supporting Three Regions
So far, we have successfully distributed menstrual kits to two out of our three focus areas for 2024:
Suriname:
On World Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28th, 2024), we distributed 98 menstrual kits to schoolgirls at Sarasvati School on Indira Gandhiweg, Suriname. This initiative was made possible by Kathleen Laiafat, who presented the kits on our behalf. Kathleen Laiafat was the first Karma yogi at Pritha’s yoga studio, making her contribution even more meaningful. We extend our gratitude to Anoeshka Jiawan-Jangbahadoersingh and all our generous donors for their support!
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands:
At the beginning of Spring 2024, we distributed menstrual supply bags over three days to women in need across Zoetermeer. We visited them in their homes, had meaningful conversations, and saw firsthand how much this project impacts lives. These experiences motivate us to continue fundraising and collecting products to reach even more women.
Bali, Indonesia
In October 2024 we were able to support various orphanages in Bali. We are grateful to those who were able to help.
Period poverty is a global problem, with millions of women and girls being held back and even endangered by not being able to afford basic menstrual care.
With 1 in 5 girls missing school due to lack of menstrual products, period poverty is an important, yet often ignored, public health crisis. “Period Poverty” refers to the widespread phenomena of being unable to afford products such as pads, tampons, or liners to manage menstrual bleeding. Instead of sanitary products, many people are forced to use items like rags, paper towels, toilet paper, or cardboard. Others ration sanitary products by using them for extended amounts of time. Period poverty encompasses not only this lack of access to products, but also inadequate access to toilets, hand washing containers, and hygienic waste management.
Read more on: Raising Awareness on Period Poverty
Who We Are
On the News
How You Can Help
THIS PROJECT RELIES ON COMMUNITY EFFORTS, EVERY CONTRIBUTION HELPS!
by donating funds
via Bank Transfer of SSCAZ (Stichting Sociaal Culturele Activiteiten Zoetermeer)
S. HIRA - NL73 ABNA 0495 9003 97
Find out more about SSCAZ
by donating period products
Bring packages of unopened, and unused period products (Pads, tampons, reusable pads, menstrual cups) to Mahé studio
(by appointment only), or bring them directly to our drop-off point at
My Cup of Vinyl (record shop) at Dorpsstraat 115T, 2712 AE Zoetermeer, you can find Ms. Cemile who will welcome you.
by donating your statiegeld
Bring the empty bottles or the empty cans to us, or you can also bring the receipt of the statiegeld to us.
spread awareness
Share this page, talk about period poverty!
a little help goes a long way
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, or supported this cause in any way. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible. Let's continue to empower women, one period at a time!