Periods through the ages: Cambodia

This post is part of Plan’s blog series, “Periods through the ages,” highlighting girls and the women in their families as they share period stories and break stigma in their communities.

  “My grandmother was the first person I talked to about my period,” 13-year-old Seila says. “She was very supportive and helped me understand what to do. She recommended using a good brand of sanitary pad that was comfortable and affordable.” 

Seila (left) sits with her grandmother Bui Non (center) and mother Sokna (right). © Plan International | Bunchhai Chhun

Bui Non, Seila’s grandmother, tells us of a very different reality when she was younger. 

“In my generation, we didn’t have sanitary pads,” Bui Non, says. “I cut fabric from a sarong into pieces. I washed them to reuse for only a week. After a week, I buried or burnt those fabrics — unlike now, where you can easily buy and use sanitary pads.”

Bui Non told Plan that even when her daughter Sokna, Seila’s mother, had her period as a young girl, they still didn’t have the types of products that are available now.

“When my daughter had her period, I kept telling her to clean herself and use the fabric as a pad,” Bui Non says. “If she felt sick, I would help do skin coining once per period. For this, we rub balm into the chest, back and shoulders until red is seen. This could relieve the pain.” 

Sokna and Bui Non stand together for a photo. © Plan International | Bunchhai Chhun

Despite Seila’s confidence and access to period products, one area still needs work: talking about periods with boys and men.

Seila picks green beans from her family’s farm. © Plan International | Bunchhai Chhun