Young Bermudian Tylasha Desilva (second from left) has taken the initiative to launch ‘We BLead Bermuda’ , to focus on “providing feminine care products for women and girls in need, along with bringing forth the awareness of Period Poverty on the island”.
Speaking at the launch on Monday (March 8), the Bermuda College student who is also President of the Student Government and a member of the Board of Governors for the 2020/2021 school year, said “having a period is not a luxury” and the goal is “to make life easier for the women around Bermuda who cannot afford these products every month”.
“Considering that it is International Women’s Day, we thought that this would be the perfect time to introduce ‘We BLead’ to the community,” said Ms DeSilva.
“We” meaning the men and women of Bermuda, and “B-Lead” which means to lead by example.
“‘We BLead’ Bermuda is a project that is focused on providing feminine care products for women and girls in need, along with bringing forth the awareness of Period Poverty on the island. Period Poverty is very real and unfortunately, is overlooked.
“Prices have risen over the years and will continue to do so. One gallon of milk costs $5.50. One box of cereal ranges between $4.75 and $8.90. One box of granola bars [snacks for school], ranges between $7.00 and $9.00. The lowest price for pads is $7.40 and the lowest price for tampons $8.15. The price for one bus ride is $5.00. The price for 15 bus tickets ranges between $35.00 and $45.00. Do you see where I’m going?
“It is no secret that Bermuda is an expensive place to live, but we believe that women should not have to sacrifice their personal hygiene because of this. Having a period is not a luxury. It is something that most women must deal with for over 40 years of their life. The decision to buy food or pads is not a hard one. We want to make life easier for the women around Bermuda who cannot afford these products every month,” she added.
“We are asking the community for monetary donations, or donations in-kind. If this is not feasible, we are asking for your support and advertisement of this project. All donated products will be dropped off and held at a secure location for distribution to our beneficiaries.
“However, as we are still in the process of finalizing our initiative, we are not accepting donations currently.
“You can follow our progress on our social media platforms at We BLead Bermuda on Facebook and Instagram. If there are any questions from the public, you can email us at webleadbda@gmail.com.”
“Whether you are male or female, we all have wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends, cousins, or coworkers that have a menstrual cycle.
“This is important to me because I know how it feels to be without necessities. ‘We BLead’ Bermuda exists to make each month a little easier. With the help of Family Services, Family Center, and the Women’s Resource Center, we will be able to reach those who are most in need. As this movement develops, we would like to move into the Middle and High schools to have free products available for as many women and girls as possible.
“Let us stand together for the women of Bermuda. We are stronger together. We BLead together.”
