Meet Our Interns!
For the first time, The Cova Project has welcomed four interns into the team.
Meet Ellie, Florence, Kasey and Ovie!
Florence McGlynn, 27 - Ovie Okagbare, 26 - Ellie Busby, 23
Why did you want to join The Cova Project?
Ellie: When I found out about the impact period poverty can have on someone’s life, I was incredibly shocked and disappointed more people weren’t talking about it. Everyone should be able menstruate safely and without fear in today’s world. I thought if I could join The Cova Project I would be able to help continue to help more women get access to menstrual cups and educate people on period poverty.
Florence: Women’s rights and sustainability are two things that really get me going, and two things that are often intertwined. This was ignited when working in the sustainable fashion space. The Cova Project encapsulates my values around feminism, sustainability (through their work with FlowCup) and social justice. This pandemic has not just given me the blessing of time to volunteer, but has made me hyper-aware of my own privilege. In time where access to sanitary products will be the least of my worries, now was the perfect opportunity to help my fellow ladies experiencing period poverty.
Ovie: I joined The Cova Project because they address an essential issue that is important to the health and wellbeing of girls and women in disadvantaged countries around the world and I wanted to be a part of the solution.
Kasey: I have always been passionate about women's rights and efforts to achieve gender equality. The incredible work done by The Cova Project to mitigate the challenges girls face in managing their periods offered the opportunity for me to make an impact on a pressing issue affecting women and girls around the world.
Had you heard about period poverty before?
Florence: I knew inequality existed, but the same way I felt about fashion is the same way I felt about periods - the need for clothing and for sanitary products is essential and it is a feminist issue.
Ovie: Not in those exact terms but growing up in a developing country (Nigeria) means I am familiar with the issue of many girls and women being unable to afford necessary sanitary products and having to settle for using several unhygienic products like tissue paper, rags, etc.
Ellie: I was aware of it, but I don’t think I truly understood the extent of the issue until I started my internship. Hearing about how women and young girls would have to miss out on school or work because they couldn’t afford sanitary products really struck a chord with me. Periods are never a fun time of the month but having the added stress of not being able to access pads or tampons is too hard to imagine. It made me really aware of my own privilege and how lucky I am.
Kasey: Unfortunately, yes. Period poverty has been on my radar for a few years, mainly within the space of homelessness and vulnerable peoples living within the United States where I am originally from. However, The Cova Project’s work has opened my eyes to the fact that in places such as the US and Australia, there are more resources and assistance programs available for people to turn to than there are in many parts of the developing world.
Had you heard of/used a menstrual cup before? Thoughts?
Ovie: I have heard about menstrual cups, I haven’t used one yet but I think it is a sustainable option to pads.
Ellie: I’ve learned so much more about them and how sustainable and affordable they are, especially when compared to other sanitary products. For those who can’t afford to regularly buy tampons and pads, menstrual cups are a great option as they last up to ten years, plus they are a great way to reduce your waste.
Florence: Yes! I heard about them in my quest for a more sustainable lifestyle and now I wouldn't go back!
Kasey: Yes! I made the decision to switch to a menstrual cup about a year ago for sustainability and environmental reasons and I am so glad that I did! Contrary to popular belief, they are simple to use and easy to sanitise. HIGHLY recommend.
What is your best advice for people when on their periods?
Ellie: To be kind to yourself. At the end of the day, people have to remember they are literally shedding the lining of their uterus, which is not only incredibly painful but very draining as well (literally). Even if you only accomplish one thing while on your period, you should always be proud of yourself for doing the best you can.
Florence: Don't beat yourself up for feeling emotional or hormonal during this time. To be able to feel feelings on this level is a superpower.
Ovie: Using proper sanitary products helps you feel more comfortable during your period.
Kasey: Embrace it! Just really lean into those chocolate cravings and rom-com cry sessions. Women are incredible and strong, and we deserve to give ourselves a little “Menstruation Celebration” when our periods come around!
What is something everyone should know about periods?
Florence: They aren't gross. They are a reminder that you are happy, healthy and capable of harvesting a human.
Ovie: Everyone’s experience is different. Learn about and embrace the differences.
Ellie: People need to stop feeling so uncomfortable talking about it. Periods shouldn’t make you feel ashamed or disgusted, they should be seen as a reflection of your own strength.
Kasey: Periods are not just a woman’s or girl’s issue! Barriers to managing menstruation with dignity - such as period poverty, cultural stigma and taboo - impacts society as a whole and the economy at large. Men and boys need to be included in the conversation!