About Us
Mission and Vision
Based in Portland, Oregon, Threds of Red is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering women of all ages. Our vision is to ensure that every woman has access to the knowledge and resources needed to manage safe periods and lead healthy lives.
Global Partnerships and Impact
Through collaborations with like-minded individuals, groups, and nonprofit organizations, we have extended our reach beyond local communities. Our collective efforts have enabled us to send resources to women in nine different countries, providing thousands of reusable products to support the global community.
Join us in our mission to transform lives through education and sustainable care.
Challenges Facing Impoverished Girls: Menstrual Health, Education, and the Power of Partnership
Awareness
Millions of impoverished girls around the world endure life without access to safe feminine hygiene protection. In many developing countries, girls are forced to use unsanitary materials for protection, such as banana leaves, tree bark, newspapers, ash, and even cow dung. Some, in their desperation for supplies, become victims of sexual exploitation.
The absence of adequate protection leads to leakage, staining, and unpleasant odors. Lacking these necessities, girls are often targets of ridicule and bullying from classmates, male peers, and even teachers. Moreover, using soiled and inappropriate hygiene items can result in serious infections, which may weaken the immune system and expose these girls to further health risks.
Education
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), one in ten schoolgirls in Africa either misses classes or leaves school altogether because of their period. Girls who reach puberty are typically absent for about 20% of the school year, and many drop out entirely around ages 11 or 12, all due to a lack of necessary supplies. These young students are often teased by their classmates, which leads to further embarrassment, humiliation, and social isolation.
When a young girl is not attending school, she becomes more vulnerable to dangers such as sexual exploitation and abuse. This puts her at risk for rape, sex trafficking, sexually transmitted diseases, premature marriage, and unintended pregnancy. The combination of these threats and a lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
Partnership
Openly discussing menstruation and acknowledging the need for continued learning requires focused attention and intervention. The scale of the problem is immense. For this reason, the vision includes sharing solutions with partners who are moved by the challenges young women face. Collaboration takes place with individuals, groups, and nonprofit organizations interested in bringing feminine hygiene management to their mission sites and supporting continued education.
Access to health education is a fundamental human need; it is essential for a young woman's dignity and is a driving force for the development of healthy families, communities, and nations. Bringing a feminine hygiene program to a young girl can open the door to a future filled with hope, happiness, and limitless opportunity.
Support Our Cause
All of our education materials and hygiene supplies are provided free of charge to those we serve. Your support makes this possible. By donating to Threds of Red, you are directly contributing to life-changing programs that deliver feminine hygiene education, expand community health outreach, and uplift women and girls around the world.
Together, we can create healthier communities—one life at a time.