The Power of Days: A Story of Resilience, Dignity, and the Fight for Women’s Equity
by Celeste Mergens, Founder of Days for Girls International
340 pages
Reading this book is like admiring an artistic necklace. Each story a beautiful bead, unique on its own but even more dazzling when strung together with other equally wonder-filled jewels from around the world. The strong thread they are strung on is women’s equity. These short stories that make up the larger story of Days for Girls International are inspiring, tear-jerking, and heart-warming. The book is dedicated to the global family that believes in the future that is possible when we all come together. By that, the author means to include everyone; every person fighting for their own dignity and worth, every Days for Girls volunteer, and everyone inspired to work together for a better future for all of us. The reader joins the cause as easily as clasping a necklace.
Days for Girls provides menstrual products and education around the world. This grassroots effort has helped over 3 million people in 145 countries on 7* continents and continues towards the goal: every girl, everywhere, period. Providing washable pads has increased girl’s attendance in school, women’s productivity in work, and pulled entire communities out of poverty.
Menstrual wellness education is vital and so is listening to local leaders to help them find solutions to end chapati, FGM/C, child brides, and other practices that do not support women’s health and wellness. As you can imagine, some of these stories are difficult to read so trigger warnings have been added at the beginning of a few chapters to let the readers know which page to turn to if they need to skip a section. Along with stories she has collected from around the world, Celeste weaves her own story and the many reasons she does this work. The reader remembers her own experiences with menstruation as she reads the stories of millions of others.
While this book inspires all of us in the Days for Girls world, it also provides examples of listening deeply, bridging conversations, talking about taboo issues, starting social enterprises, and finding sustainable solutions with local leaders that others working for a better world through policy and advocacy will appreciate.
I had the privileged to attend a book signing event. Celeste is warm and engaging as expected, but what was truly surprisingly special is the way she carefully signs each book with a short note and makes eye contact that feels like a hug. She also hugs if you are willing. I’ve been working with DfG for over 8 years, so I knew some of the stories already, but each time I read them, or her Celeste tell them, I am inspired all over again. I can almost feel that beautiful necklace of stories gently hugging my heart.
*Two scientists received DfG menstrual cups to use during their research in Antarctica
Period Pastor Pad 