Storytelling.

Khadija just celebrated her fourteenth birthday She lives with her conservative, albeit happy family in a village in Morocco. She lives with her conservative, albeit happy family in a village in Morocco. Except today. There is something different about this day. She feels sick and is experiencing pain in her lower abdomen, an unfamiliar and excruciating pain. On her way to tend the sheep, she escapes to the bathroom where she discovers bloodstains. Khadija panics. Unsure of what is happening or what to do

she calls out for Aisha

her sixteen-year-old aunt whom she trusts and confides in Aunt Aisha runs to the bathroom  to see what happened. There she finds a frantic Khadija with tears streaming down her eyes.

Aunt Aisha asks, “Khadija, what happened, what’s wrong?” Khadija shows her the bloodstains on her underwear and says, “I don’t know what this is.” Realizing that Khadija is experiencing her first period, Aisha comforts and calms her. Aisha says to Khadija, “This is quite normal for women. It is a natural part of our bodily function, you are not the only one.” Through Aisha’s reassurance, Khadija regains her composure but is still afraid of sharing what she has experienced with her parents. Every time she tries to tell her parents about her period, she hesitates. Having any discussion with them is difficult because of their existing tension. Recently, her mother called her lazy and punished her for not doing the household chores the right way. It bothers her that they are unaware of her suffering. After speaking with her mom, Khadija saw her in a different light. Her mother was kind, knowledgeable, supportive, and understanding.

Now, Khadija is empowered. She volunteers as an activist for a local association.Khadija has made it her mission to spread awareness about sexuality and women’s health among the youth. Her activism has changed the behaviour of people in her village. Khadija’s voice and bravery has inspired many. Because of her willingness to speak, the youth feel freer and less self-conscious.  They’ve come to understand that speaking up is a part of the solution rather than the problem.