PEN Period Empowerment Network
Project identification number: 602137-EPP-1-2018-1-NO-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA
Programme/ action/ field: Erasmus + Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices - Capacity Building in the field of Youth
Coordinator: TERRAM PACIS (Norway)
Project duration: 1.12.2018 – 31.05.2021
www: www.terrampacis.org/projects/current-projects/period-empowerment-network
The idea that Periods are dirty, shameful and unmentionable affect how women think about and manage their periods, as well as how women are perceived, which is a common misperception that arises as results of menstrual awareness & knowledge gaps in our society. Our society needs to be re-educated about menstruation.
In this regard, PERIOD Empowerment Network seeks to improve youth knowledge, skills, and attitudes about menstrual health and hygiene, and increase their awareness about female body, sexual practices, sexuality, etc. PEN is a unique and powerful menstruation education project in empowering youth and building their capacities to continuously learn and raise awareness on menstrual health.
The project contributes to the follow-up of the European Union's Gender Action Plan: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. The EU aims at a world where the rights of girls and women are claimed, valued and respected by all. Thus, the project aims to re-educate our societies about menstruation and re-frame its purpose for women to be women without any stigma or discrimination.
Further, the project seeks to challenge issues around menstruation in parts where women have neither access to basic facilities, nor afford sanitary menstrual products, besides the fact that they know very little about menstrual hygiene. Moreover, in these parts, early marriage is encouraged by cultures as puberty is considered as time of transition to adulthood. Girls reaching this biological threshold means becoming eligible for marriage, regardless of age.
Who do we cooperate with?
- Terram Pacis - Norway
- Ensino E Investigacao E Administracao - Portugal
- European Institute For Local Development - Greece
- Erasmus Mundus Students And Alumni Association - Belgium
- De Innovación Emprendimiento Y Tecnologías - Spain
- Samahan Pilipina Para Sa Reporma At Kaunlaran - Philippines
- Hello Youth Örkelljunga - Sweden
- Society For Menstrual Cycle Research - United States
- Volunteer Action For Change Kenya - Kenya
- Uganda Youth Skills Training Organization - Uganda
- Disha International Foundation Trust - India
Contact to the national coordinator: a.mendelbaum@wsbinoz.pl