I have noticed the problem of period poverty quite a long time ago. My family was economically stable enough to purchase sanitary products, and I was also surprised, as Anudi mentioned in her speech, that some women are facing such a challenge. Even after I noticed this problem, I felt scared and shy to talk about it because of cultural norms and the way people usually don’t talk openly about periods. However, everything changed when I heard Anudi Gunasekara (Miss Sri Lanka) speak openly about this issue through her "Beauty with a Purpose" project, Saheli. Through her inspiration, I am no longer afraid or embarrassed to talk about this. This project is exceptionally great because it highlights a crucial truth. Period poverty isn't confined to specific economic backgrounds or regions. I've personally experienced, through people I know studying abroad in developed countries, that some women struggle with period poverty due to the high cost of living expenses. This shows it's a universal challenge, not just a localized one. So I think by bringing 'Saheli' to attention, Anudi has inspired people around the world to notice this important but often ignored issue.
