generation know

In January I had the opportunity to take part in an amazing panel discussion with some awesome people (click here for the recap). U by Kotex sponsored the event, and they wanted to break the silence about the misleading information when it comes to a woman’s body. We broke myths, exposed the truth, and vowed to empower others, especially young girls when it comes to learning and discussing about a woman’s body.

Many girls today get their information from their friends, television, the internet or social media. So you can imagine how much information is out there that can confuse a person. I remember growing up watching “The Cosby Show” and the episode that stayed with me was when Rudy got her period. A few of her friends came over and they shared with her every horror story you could think of. One myth that I still remember to this day is “You can’t go to the beach when you’re on your period or you’ll get attacked by sharks.” Let’s just say I didn’t want to go to the beach because I thought I was going to die. I knew that it was just a television show, and I should have gone to my mom or someone else that I trust to ask questions to make sure I wasn’t crazy, but I didn’t. I was too embarrassed and I know that’s how many girls feel now.

I now have a platform where I can help educate many people who are misinformed. Too often we pass up opportunities to help people, even when it is done indirectly. Small change is better than no change and if only one person receives the correct information from me then I believe I did my part.

Recently I was riding in the car and someone was using FaceTime and mentioned they needed panty liners. Instinctively I said “Keep that to yourself,” and they replied “Didn’t you do that Kotex forum? Remember we shouldn’t be embarrassed to share that information.” She was right and a wave of guilt hit me. It was like second nature for me to say keep that to yourself. We have to remove the stigma about getting our period. No one should feel embarrassed about that when it is a part of our nature. It shows that we are healthy women (young and old) with our bodies working properly. We should embrace it, even though PMS and cramps can get the best of us.

Take a look at how we plan to empower others

We have to Bust Myths, Speak the Truth, and Empower others to embrace their bodies and the many changes they will go through.

Brand Statement
U by Kotex Brand is committed to empowering girls to change the way the world thinks about periods and vaginas through Generation Know, the first generation of girls comfortable asking questions, gaining real knowledge and spreading information about their health and bodies to others. To get the facts, learn how to make a difference and get a free Generation Know bracelet to symbolize your commitment, visit www.GenerationKnow.com. For every girl that joins, U by Kotex brand will donate to Girls For A Change to continue to create change.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by U by Kotex® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of U by Kotex

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Social Stylin’ Roundtable for U by Kotex Get With Generation Know campaign. Generation Know dares to change and challenge the world’s view on periods, vaginas, and females in general. Kotex ambassadors Dr. Vanessa Schick and Kat Lazo led the discussion about everything under the sun.

The day began with breakfast and hair and makeup by The House of Makeup. We were in full glam mode especially with our awesome eyelashes. After our glam session, it was time for the photo shoot. The photographer AJ was so funny and it was great shooting with him.

After the morning rundown, we set up for the reason we all gathered together that day, to have girl talk. This was such an amazing experience. The panel consisted of 12 bloggers (Caitlin Boyle-moderator) and 2 Kotex Ambassadors (Dr. Vanessa Schick and Kat Lazo). Although it was a little nerve racking with the camera, we covered so many topics from the media’s portrayal of women, the role of social media and self-image, the myths behind periods, and so much more. I don’t think I’ve said the word vagina so much ever in life! It was a little strange at first, but by lunch the strange feeling had subsided. It was great to talk and share our ideas without any fears or judgment. We shared our most embarrassing stories and even the nicknames that we have for vaginas. Thanks to Oprah, va-jay-jay, is very popular.

After our roundtable discussion we had an amazing three-course luncheon. It began with a Mediterranean chopped salad that looked to good to eat, but we all know that bloggers love to eat. Next, for the non-vegetarians, we had grilled brussels sprouts, grilled chicken breast, and scalloped potatoes. Lastly, for dessert we had a chocolate caramel pastry with blueberries. Just thinking about the food makes me want to find the chef who created such delectable dishes.

Once lunch we finished lunch, instagramming photos from our lunch, and catching up on social media, we had small group discussions to go further in to the conversation. We continued talking about busting myths, breaking the silence, and changing the message surrounding the female body and periods. These interviews were very candid and heart felt.

Busting Mythis with Sherrell, Erin, Daniel, Caitlin, and Dr. Vanessa

One thing that I took away from this day was the need to keeping the youth informed. Many girls find out information about their bodies from their peers or the media. Often times, this information is incorrect and misleading. We need to take more of a proactive approach with sharing our knowledge with the younger generation. It is a terrible feeling going around misinformed, so to protect the younger generation and ourselves we have to SPEAK UP and SPEAK OUT. We can’t be afraid to talk about what was once a taboo topic. That is the only way to break the silence. We have to share our knowledge and change the stigma surrounding females, vaginas, periods and more.

Brand Statement U by Kotex Brand is committed to empowering girls to change the way the world thinks about periods and vaginas through Generation Know, the first generation of girls comfortable asking questions, gaining real knowledge and spreading information about their health and bodies to others. To get the facts, learn how to make a difference and get a free Generation Know bracelet to symbolize your commitment, visit www.GenerationKnow.com. For every girl that joins, U by Kotex brand will donate to Girls For A Change to continue to create change.