Giving under-privileged girls access to education by distributing re-usable sanitary pads, which empowers them to stay in school
Anja Juliah Abu Bakar
Anja founded Athena Empowers after identifying glaring issues among young girls and their menstruation cycle that demands attention. As the provider of Athena reusable sanitary pads, she is embarking on a Girl Empowerment Project to create awareness that young girls need to be educated about their bodies and their rights to healthy and hygienic living.Lack of access to menstrual products affects thousands of young Malaysian girls who miss school because of it. The effect of these missed days is devastating, with girls missing up to 20% of their education, thereby increasing the likelihood of dropping out, early marriage and pregnancy as well as limiting career options.
Anja took part in SE Forum’s SE Outreach Accelerator in 2016.
Athena Empowers
Providing reusable products means the burden of purchasing products each month is removed and the environmental devastation that thousands of disposable pads would have on the landscape is alleviated. For every purchase you make, you will be contributing a similar set that you bring home into the home of girls you are helping. Anja invites you; individual or organisation to get a girl movement started in various homes of the underprivileged and the underserved with Athena Pads. Her invitation is open to those who believe in girls like she does. The case for girl’s education is well documented as one of the most important tools for development. Anja believe that NO GIRLS should have to miss out on opportunities that will affect their future, simply because girls get period!
