By Georgia FreeWednesday 8 Mar 2023Hope DriveSocial JusticeReading Time: 2 minutes
In Australia, menstrual education begins in Year 5. But in some communities across the world less than 10% of girls know what menstruation is before it happens.
Opportunity International Australia are working to change that.
In conjunction with local partners on the ground, Opportunity International trains local woman in India, Indonesia and Bangladesh to become health leaders in their communities – educating them about nutrition, hygiene, menstruation and pregnancy care.
They also provide small loans to women to start sustainable businesses, and break the cycle of poverty in their family.
Opportunity’s Health and Women’s Safety Director Annie Wang joined Hope Drive on International Women’s Day to share more about their work.
“We know that if a women is economically empowered, she’s able immediately invest into the health and education of her own kids,” Annie said.
“Every woman wants to see a better future for the next generation.”
Annie also shared some advice for Australians, on how we can remain aware and engaged with the fight of equity around the world.
“Australia is definitely the lucky country, and we all benefit from the privilege we have here.
“It doesn’t mean that we don’t have struggles, but a more equal world for everyone benefits us as well.
“Read wider news sources, follow overseas aid agencies on social media.
“The issues that we deal with aren’t always on mainstream news, so I challenge people to look beyond, to educate ourselves and play a role in the solution for a more equal world.”
Listen to Annie’s full interview on Hope Drive in the player above.
For more information on Opportunity International, visit their website.