Behind every number is a person

Sumi used to wait until midnight to use the broken, unsafe toilet in her settlement. During her period, every day was a source of fear. After Wreetu and the community renovated the toilets and showers, she could finally care for herself with privacy and dignity.

It's not just the toilets and showers. It's that we are being heard, that our needs matter.

Razia felt confused and ashamed when her first period came. After a Wreetu session and our comic book, she understood her body was healthy and normal. She stopped missing school, began explaining periods to her friends, and saw her male classmates become supportive.

Rupa had never read about puberty in her own language. Our Chakma-language comic book helped her embrace the changes in her body without shame, and made her proud of her mother tongue.

Arif had picked up myths about wet dreams and puberty from friends. Our puberty guide for boys gave him accurate facts, and the confidence to stop worrying and to respect the girls around him.

Adrija once felt shy hearing the word ‘period’ in front of male friends. Through Wreetu's youth leadership training she found her voice. On Menstrual Hygiene Day she led a session for teenage girls and received dozens of thank-you notes.

For the first time ever, I didn't feel uncomfortable.

Sumon Acherjee, Kishoreganj, was named one of VSO Bangladesh's Top 20 Volunteers of the Year from more than a thousand applicants. Mehedi, Gaibandha, now trains other young people and has won national SRHR competitions. Both worked as Wreetu youth volunteers.