Hi there! My name is Amina, and I live in a small town close to a big city. I’m very lucky because I have Neema and Mariam, my best friends. Every Saturday, my besties and I go to watch movies at the local video house.

One weekend, my besties and I were walking to the movies and Neema got a call from the old shopkeeper who always bothers her about her mother’s debts. Mariam and I kept walking knowing that Neema would catch up. After about 5 minutes of walking, we suddenly turn around and see Neema running towards us, with her face in shock. Neema comes really close and whispers, “Amina, you are bleeding!” Neema then points to the bottom half of my body, and I see a huge red spot on my dress. I’d started my period!

Immediately, I felt my eyes burning and the tears start to form. I wondered how long I had been walking with that huge red spot on my dress? I wanted to cry, but my besties reassured me that if anyone else had seen me, they would’ve pointed or said something. “People are too busy to look at your dress Amina! Plus, it’s natural and no one should judge you”, said Mariam. Neema ran back to the shop and returned with a scarf for me to tie around my waist to hide my soiled dress. She then went to the shop to buy me pads.

We waited under the tree for Neema to return. Meanwhile, Mariam told me a big secret. She had gotten her period 6 months ago. She told me that she was very scared at first but her sister taught her that periods are normal and she didn't need to be ashamed.

My besties and I started to walk back home so I could put on a pad. I am grateful for my friends. At one point, Neema turned to me and said, "Amina. This is a natural part of being a girl. Don’t worry, you’ll be ok.” And she’s right – I am!