When I first connected with Laura Carmody I knew instantly we had a shared passion and mission on this planet together!
We are both deeply passionate about ending period poverty and supporting all women to bleed with dignity, hygiene and confidence.
Laura had spent some time journeying through Guatemala, where she was inspired to give back to the local village sisters. And I had shared all my stories traveling through India, South East Asia and South America.
Laura and I decided to partner and launch a campaign to donate Mahina Menstrual Cups to the village women of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. She called it Women, Wombs + Water, as she also donated the other half of the funds to purchase water filters.
I loved witnessing her fire and passion come through her sharing of this mission. She followed the calling of her soul and recently traveled down to Guatemala with 250 Mahina Cups in tow and ready to distribute.
Below are a few questions I asked her, which I am so excited to share with you, as you are a HUGE support in this mission too!
Please continue to follow our journey and cheer us on as we grow in outreach and voice.
As you will read in my last question, Laura and I are in the visioning stages of a non-profit so even more women + girls around the globe will have access to proper period care aka Mahina Cup Menstrual Liberation!
Imagine having nothing to protect you when you got your monthly flow.
Girls in our own country are staying home from school because they can’t afford basic period protection. Women, with limited resources, are using dirty newspapers and rolled up socks – resulting in all kinds of vaginal infections. Our 3rd world country sisters are even more limited, sometimes using cow dung patties as period undies.
Every women deserves to period properly, and with Mahina Menstrual Cup we will give a girl or women 10 years of protection!
Donating tampons and pads continues the cycle of needing to donate, however with a menstrual cup, they are independent for 10 years!
The best thing about Mahina Cups is they are 100% health-grade silicone, which makes them ultra hygienic and super easy to clean. In all public bathrooms, in all countries, you will find potable water, and that’s all you need to keep Mahina Cup clean period after period! And boiling your Mahina Cup in the same pot you boil your rice is perfectly sanitary, will give a Mahina Menstrual Cup a deep clean and more longevity.
I personally built this brand as a Global Sisterhood Initiative and am beyond grateful to have the resources and connections to support our sisters in need.
Comment below – Do you believe period protection is our birthright? Do you feel all women + girls should have free access to period with dignity and hygiene? Have you ever been in a situation were you didn’t have anything for your period?
Period Freely,
Alila Grace + Laura Carmody xx
How did women in Guatemala respond to the gift?
How was your experience sharing with them the how’s and why’s to use Mahina Menstrual Cup?
How has a Mahina Menstrual Cup made a difference in their period and life experience?
How has this project affected you?
I feel more passionate then ever to bring sustainable menstrual hygiene management to under-resourced communities. I am deeply inspired by the strength, resiliency, and beauty of Guatemalan people. I am so deeply touched and overflowing with gratitude.
What was your biggest challenges and greatest victories of this mission?
Communication can sometimes be challenging. The indigenous people of Guatemala speak their native languages (on Lago Atitlan K’iche’, Kaqchikel, and Tz’utujil) first, and then often speak Spanish as their second language. However, many people in remote areas only speak their native tongue. This can sometimes create challenges, however when it comes down to it, we are always able to communicate what needs to be said. The greatest victory has been re-connecting with women whom received menstrual cups last year and hearing their success stories. It brings me such joy to hear the stories of women who have been able to integrate this technology into their lives!
What’s next?
