Sidumisile Mabena
Mthokozisi Ncube
A NEW anthology featuring the voices of 13 women and girls is challenging long-held taboos surrounding menstruation while demonstrating the power of literature as a tool for social advocacy.
Titled “It’s That Time of the Month… Again“, the collection of short stories and poems was curated by the WriteStart Foundation to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day and encourage open conversations around menstrual health, period poverty and women’s lived experiences.
WriteStart Foundation founder Phakemenkosi Moyo said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to using storytelling as a vehicle for social change.
“Our aim is to advocate for various social causes through literature. We are very deliberate when choosing issues to champion, which is why we decided to focus on menstrual health. With “It’s That Time of the Month… Again“, we wanted to demonstrate that literature can be a powerful tool for advocacy,” she said.
The anthology brings together contributions from 13 women and girls from diverse backgrounds, including two high school learners, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
Moyo said the diversity of voices makes the collection both relatable and educational.
“Each story explores a different theme. The book does not only focus on menstrual health, but also addresses issues such as period poverty, depression and other challenges. Every writer offers a unique perspective on menstruation and what it means to them,” she said.
Among the standout contributions is a poem by Ropafadzo Ngadze titled Red Isn’t Shame, which highlights the realities of period poverty and calls for greater access to free sanitary products.
Moyo said the anthology seeks to inspire both women and men to become advocates for menstrual health.
“We hope this book encourages more people to speak up about menstrual hygiene, including men, because menstruation should not be viewed as a women’s issue alone. Men are fathers, brothers and uncles, and we hope they will play a greater role in normalising conversations around menstrual health,” she said.
She believes storytelling has the power to create a more lasting impact than one-off awareness campaigns.
“For years, we have attended seminars and workshops on menstrual health, but once those sessions end, the lessons are often forgotten. Through this anthology, we are providing readers with something they can return to repeatedly, a reminder that the fight against stigma must continue,” said Moyo.
Several contributors share personal experiences of missing school due to a lack of sanitary products, while others explore the emotional and mental health challenges linked to menstruation.
“One story that surprised many readers explores depression and mental health during menstruation. It reminds us that menstrual health and mental wellbeing are closely connected and should be discussed together,” she said.
The anthology also signals the beginning of broader advocacy projects by the foundation. Moyo revealed that WriteStart is already working on its next publication, “A Men’s Silent Cry“, which will explore abuse against men under the theme: Abused men are likely to be abusive, the cycle ends with you.
She expressed hope that “It’s That Time of the Month… Again” will encourage more people to speak openly about menstruation and help dismantle stigma through honest conversations and shared experiences.
The anthology is available free of charge in digital format through the WriteStart Foundation and various online reading platforms, making it accessible to readers interested in literature-driven advocacy.
