For many South African children, getting their first period can bring confusion, fear and shame at a time when they need information and support.
Period poverty continues to affect access to education, with many girls missing school because they cannot afford menstrual products or lack access to safe and private sanitation.
Now, efforts to change the way menstruation is discussed are moving beyond access to products, with books and storytelling being used to help children understand their bodies and challenge stigma.
A story about growing up
Lil Lets is supporting this shift with the launch of “Masana the Brave: A Story About Growing Up", an illustrated book aimed at children aged eight to 13.
Written by Puno Selesho and illustrated by Gabby Correia, the book explores first periods, body changes and emotional development through the story of Masana, a girl approaching her twelfth birthday.
Masana wakes up one morning to discover blood in her underwear. Unsure of what is happening, she believes that something is wrong with her body and tries to manage the situation on her own.
Through the support of her mother, teacher and friends, she learns that menstruation is a normal part of growing up. The story addresses myths and misinformation while encouraging children to ask questions and seek support.
For Correia, illustrating the book was also about making sure stories reach children who may have limited access to books.
“The work doesn't stop once I've finished illustrating a book. Even if I never make any royalties, it's important to me to get the books out there to as many children as possible,” she said.
Correia pointed to South Africa’s literacy challenges as a reason for making books accessible to more children.
“Eighty-one percent of children in South Africa between the ages of nine and 10 cannot read. Sixty-three percent of South African homes do not even own a single book to read. As a South African who loves reading and illustrates books for a living, I find that crazy. We need to change this.”
“For many young people, especially girls, the first experience of menstruation can be confusing or even frightening,” said marketing executive at Premier FMCG, Keryn Brien.
“This book is about changing that narrative. Through storytelling, we can normalise these conversations, break down stigma and give children the confidence to understand what’s happening to their bodies.”
The book also includes boys in the conversation, helping children understand menstruation as a normal part of growing up rather than a subject that should be hidden.
Making space for honest conversations
The launch comes as other South African initiatives are also using books to encourage conversations about menstruation.
Entrepreneur and media personality TT Mbha recently collaborated with his daughters, Thato Junior Mbha and Boitumelo Mbha, on “My PMS Diary”, a menstrual health book aimed at young girls.
The book combines personal reflections, journaling exercises and educational information to help girls understand puberty, menstruation, emotions and mental health.
“This is not just a book, but a dad-daughter collaboration with purpose, inspired by real-life conversations about growing up, body changes, confidence and the unspoken questions that many girls are afraid to ask,” said TT.
He described “My PMS Diary" as “a safe space” where girls can learn about puberty and menstruation without shame while reflecting on their emotions and building confidence.
“This one is for every girl navigating ‘What is happening to me?’ and for every parent who wants to show up with courage and care. We’re changing the narrative, one girl child at a time,” he added.
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