A DIGNITY PACK AT A TIME

When I started the dignity drive, I carried one simple dream: to restore dignity to children in schools, both boys and girls. For too long, I had seen girls miss classes because they lacked sanitary towels, and boys grow up uninformed, sometimes teasing or isolating their classmates because no one had ever explained menstruation to them. I wanted to break that silence and create a safe space where all children felt seen, supported, and respected.

The journey wasn’t smooth. At first, raising funds and gathering supplies felt overwhelming. Some people even questioned why boys should be included in a drive “meant for girls.” Others thought the initiative was too small to matter. But I held on, knowing that dignity is not a privilege for a few , it is a necessity for every child.

The most rewarding moment came when we finally walked into the schools. I watched girls smile as they received sanitary pads and learned about menstrual hygiene in an open, shame-free way. At the same time, boys received innerwear and hygiene kits, but more importantly, they were included in honest conversations. They asked questions, they listened, and they understood. For many, it was the first time anyone had told them menstruation is natural, not something to mock or fear.

That day, I realized the dignity drive was much more than distributing items. It was about changing attitudes, building empathy, and teaching respect. Seeing both boys and girls walk away not just with supplies, but with confidence and knowledge, reminded me why this work matters.

I also believe dignity is inseparable from sexual and reproductive health and rights. When young people are given accurate information about their bodies, consent, respect, and healthy relationships, they are empowered to make informed choices. For girls, this means freedom from early marriages and teenage pregnancies; for boys, it means learning responsibility, empathy, and allyship. By weaving SRHR into the dignity drive, we are planting seeds for a generation that values health, equality, and justice.

My long-term goal is to build a sustainable program where schools in vulnerable communities can access menstrual and hygiene support all year round, not just during one-off drives. I envision safe, inclusive spaces where both boys and girls are empowered to talk openly about hygiene, dignity, and respect without shame.

I share this story to remind us that restoring dignity is possible when we rise together. If more voices, partners, and communities join in, we can ensure that no child has to choose between their dignity and their education.