As the world continues to open up, following years in lockdown, there is a renewed consciousness to stay healthy. For women, this includes taking charge of their menstrual health, which was discussed at the #BeNextPeriodReady with Modess event held last April 26, 2022, in partnership with Miss Universe Philippines.  

Awareness and education around what good menstrual health means is the first step in encouraging more women to pay attention to this important area of their health. A second critical factor is a support from organizations to provide the resources needed to participate fully in all aspects of life during their menstrual cycle, which includes making quality menstrual products available and providing access to proper information and consult. 

The advocacy to educate and encourage young women to pay attention to their menstrual health is one that is shared by both Modess and reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu. 

Sandhu mentioned that she continues to work with different groups and individuals to convert what she calls period poverty to period powerty, so that women everywhere can have greater access to the knowledge and tools they need to improve their state of menstrual health. She also shared her excitement in working with various organizations in the Philippines to help provide Filipino women, especially the teens, with everything they need for better management of their period—physically, emotionally, and socially.

“Part of achieving good health is paying attention to menstrual health, which has long been our advocacy at Modess,” said Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.’s marketing director, Rezel Aquino. “We feel it’s important to ensure that our #GenFree know exactly what to do to keep their menstrual health in check as they take on new challenges and chase after their dreams.”

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Highlights of the event included an educational talk on the importance of caring for one’s menstrual health addressed to young Filipina women from reigning Miss Universe Sandhu Harnaaz; a discussion between Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez and Mica Geronimo, a young Filipina teen that addressed common perceptions around a young lady’s monthly period; and a panel discussion between Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe Philippines Bea Gomez, marketing manager for Feminine Care of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc. Rehi Dimayuga, and program head of Bantay Bata 163 Levi Ambon-Rata that covered different points of view on menstrual health. In the audience were around 50 teens who are part of ABS-CBN Foundation’s outreach activities for child welfare. 

“It’s important for us to empower and enable Filipina teens to take charge of their menstrual hygiene and health,” added Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Bea Gomez. “We can do this by teaching them what to do, providing them with what they need, and helping them build new and healthier habits, especially as they slowly but surely go back out into the world.” 

#BeNextPeriodReady with Modess

Over the last decades, Modess has educated and encouraged young Filipinas to take care of their menstrual hygiene and health through various initiatives that teach healthier habits and help provide the necessary resources. Modess products are part of that equation, offering the #GenFree superior protection and all-day comfort.

“Today’s Filipina teens need a pad that can keep up with them as they conquer the new normal,” said Dimayuga. “With Modess, they can be free from worries knowing they are guaranteed up to zero leaks. At the same time, they can feel more confident to make bigger moves towards their passions and dreams even during their challenging red days.”

To equip the #GenFree girls to be stewards of their menstrual health, Modess has prepared #BeNextPeriodReady kits that contain menstrual hygiene essentials such as a portable bidet, door lock, and Modess pads. 

“We have partnered with the ABS-CBN Foundation to further expand our advocacy footprint. In the short term, we will be donating #BeNextPeriodReady kits to 25 communities nationwide to help more teen girls kickstart their journey for better menstrual hygiene and health,” ended Dimayuga.