Period poverty remains a challenge for many school-age girls in Montserrat, often causing them to miss classes due to limited access to menstrual health resources.
Kathie Allen, a former Montserrat Secondary School student, aims to change that by providing free sanitary products to schools and colleges through her ‘Everything. [Period]’ initiative.
In a Q&A with Montserrat Focus, Allen shares her journey, the inspiration behind the project, and her hopes for the future of menstrual health support on the island.
She is calling on supporters, both locally and internationally, to help expand the project and make a positive impact on the lives of Montserrat’s young women.
Can you share what inspired the ‘Everything. [Period]’ initiative and why you believe it’s essential for Montserrat?
The ‘Everything. [Period]’ initiative was born from a deep need to support young girls in Montserrat who face the challenges of period poverty; something that goes beyond just lacking sanitary products.
Period poverty can affect a young woman’s entire experience in school, forcing some girls to miss valuable class time simply because they don’t have the products they need to feel comfortable and secure.
For me, this project is about giving these young girls dignity and freedom during a time that can be challenging.
When they have access to the basics, they can concentrate on learning rather than worrying about the discomfort or stigma around menstruation. I think every girl deserves that peace of mind.
I was prompted to take on this initiative from hearing stories of how young women today are still being impacted by period poverty.
Growing up in Montserrat, I can relate to this type of hardship.
What fuelled me to act on this passion to make a difference was hearing the testimonies of others who had similar experiences growing up and encouraged me to pursue this and offered to support.
How long has the initiative been running, and how did it first come about?
The project is fairly new, we sent our first shipment 2023; but the idea behind it has been growing in my heart for a while.
Seeing similar issues being addressed in other communities made me realise that Montserrat needed this kind of support just as much.
We officially launched ‘Everything. [Period]’ in collaboration with individual donors from the United Kingdom and USA and some churches, who believe in the mission as much as I do.
There was even one young traveller who was on island at the time who donated products.
It’s been incredible to witness the community rally together for something that impacts our schoolgirls so profoundly.
What products are included in the packages provided to the schools, and how are they distributed?
Each ‘Everything. [Period]’ pack is designed with essentials that many of us take for granted.
The kits include a selection of high-quality sanitary products, pads, liners, and other hygiene essentials, all geared towards helping these young ladies stay comfortable throughout their cycle.
We work directly with the Education Department in Montserrat to ensure every girl who needs these products has access to them in a discreet, respectful way.
We wanted the process to be as smooth and stigma-free as possible, so the girls can receive what they need without any barriers.
What kind of support is most needed at this time?
The demand is ongoing because every month, more girls will need these products, and it’s essential to maintain a steady supply so that we’re never in a position where a young lady has to go without.
Awareness – The more people that understand period poverty, the more likely they are to help or spread the word, which in turn amplifies our reach.
Products – At the moment, we are shipping once annually. Menstruation is a monthly occurrence, and we would love to ensure an ongoing supply to these young girls.
Storage and distribution – It would be nice to have the facilities to store the products until picked up for shipping.
Funding – The products we received from the friends and well-wishers at the moment. We are hoping that in the future there would be greater scope to collaborate with companies who manufacture, retail or who can ship these products.
How can the community, both locally and abroad, contribute or volunteer?
There are so many ways to get involved, and we’re always open to more support!
Donation of products – Products are being presently collected and shipped from Birmingham, UK. To make arrangements to give donations, or those who are outside Birmingham, can email crownshats@yahoo.co.uk
Spreading awareness – Those in Montserrat that can help with distribution or spreading awareness within schools, local businesses, non-profit organisations and other local groups is invaluable.
It would also be great to bring an awareness to parliament and lobby for changes to help end period poverty among schoolgirls in Montserrat.
We also love seeing people share our mission on social media to help raise awareness; it can reach people who might want to help in a major way, but didn’t know there was a need in Montserrat.
Every little bit counts and goes a long way in making a difference for our young ladies in Montserrat.
Financial donations – It may be easier for some to make financial donations rather than products. Please drop us a message at crownshats@yahoo.co.uk
On another note – The week of 12-18 May, 2025, is Period Poverty Awareness Week in some countries. It would be nice to draw further awareness and impact to this dilemma.
This type of project has successfully highlighted the critical issue of period poverty and driven global efforts toward menstrual equity and access.
This campaign can bring together organisations, communities, and policymakers with a shared mission to reduce stigma, increase access to menstrual products, and promote education on menstrual health.
This can empower individuals and communities to take action, advocating for long-term solutions and policy reforms that promote menstrual equity.
Why should period poverty be everybody’s business?
Supporting menstrual equity in schools is essential to empower the next generation and break the cycle of period poverty.
Addressing period poverty in schools is crucial to ensure that all girls have an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed without being held back by something as natural as menstruation.
Ensuring that all schoolgirls have access to necessary menstrual products and education helps them stay in school, build self-confidence, and to reach their full potential.
