Darlene S. Clarke-Okah: Addressing period poverty and breaking menstrual taboos

 

Darlene S Clarke-Okah

A happy and prosperous new year Peeps! 

2025 is pregnant and will bring forth a lot of goodness, I feel it. Congratulations because this is going to be the best year.

Without much ado, Omote Ro Dhe is coming out with a bang. The women in the showcase this year will be one of a kind. So let's bring it on!

Kickstarting the new year is an amazing lady, Darlene S. Clarke- Okah, the founder of Femme Avenue, a leading menstrual care organisation that offers affordable menstrual health care and education to females. Now tell me if this is not massive given that the cost of menstrual pads is alarming. The average cost of menstrual pads is between 1500 and 3000 naira. But how many ladies especially teenagers can afford that? The next question is how many teenage girls understand their menstrual cycle and how to manage it. These problems are where Femme Avenue comes in. From an experience with painful periods, Darlene birthed this initiative to combat period poverty that is deeply rooted in society.

This First Class honours Agriculture and Agricultural Technology graduate from Benson Idahosa University is highly entrepreneurial, alongside her NGO, she runs Darlene Consulting and Co. She was recognised as a CYE awardee in 2023. Aside from this, she has been featured in a number of prominent publications. Omote Ro Dhe is glad to be part of them ):

In a relaxed atmosphere, Omote Ro Dhe brought Darlene on the 'hot seat', okay seriously we got chatting on her brainchild- Femme Avenue, her role models, the project she is working on( an app to revolutionalise women's health and well-being and other talk points. Read excerpts of this interesting chat below:

What inspired you to create Femme Avenue, and how has your journey shaped its mission to address period poverty and menstrual stigmas?

Femme Avenue was born out of a deep sense of purpose and a personal understanding of how menstrual health is often overlooked and stigmatized. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many women face in accessing affordable and dignified menstrual care, as well as the shame and misinformation surrounding menstruation. These experiences ignited a passion in me to challenge the status quo and create a safe space where education, accessibility, and empowerment are at the forefront.

The journey has been both humbling and inspiring. I’ve met women and girls whose stories have reinforced the urgency of addressing period poverty and breaking menstrual taboos. Their resilience fuels my determination to ensure that Femme Avenue isn’t just a brand but a movement—a community where we redefine menstrual health as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

Every milestone, from developing innovative products like menstrual affirmation cards and heating relief belts to launching educational initiatives, has deepened my understanding of the complexities surrounding menstrual health. These efforts have shaped Femme Avenue’s mission: to provide not only products but also knowledge, confidence, and advocacy, ensuring no woman or girl feels limited or ashamed because of her period.

At its core, Femme Avenue is about creating lasting impact, one conversation, one product, and one empowered individual at a time.

Congratulations on being a Global Changemaker Fellow 2024. What key experiences have helped shape your leadership in the menstrual health space?

Thank you for the kind words! Being recognized as a Global Changemaker Fellow 2024 is both an honour and a reminder of the work still to be done in the menstrual health space.

Several key experiences have profoundly shaped my leadership and commitment to this cause:

1. Personal Exposure to Period Poverty and Stigma: Growing up, I saw women and girls around me struggle with limited access to menstrual products, often resorting to unsafe alternatives. Witnessing these challenges firsthand made me acutely aware of the need for accessible and dignified solutions.

2. Educational Initiatives: Founding Femme Avenue has allowed me to lead impactful projects like workshops, community outreaches, and the creation of educational tools such as menstrual health flashcards. These experiences have taught me the power of education in dismantling stigmas and empowering individuals.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations: Working with organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders has shown me the importance of collaboration in driving systemic change. Building Femme Avenue’s corporate CSR packages has allowed us to embed menstrual health advocacy within larger structures, creating ripple effects in communities and workplaces.

4. Advocacy on National and Global Platforms: Being featured alongside menstrual health giants and contributing to conversations on breaking stigmas has sharpened my voice as an advocate. It has also connected me with other change-makers, enriching my perspective on innovative solutions.

5. Resilience Through Challenges: Leading in this space hasn’t been without its hurdles, from funding constraints to societal pushback against taboo topics. These challenges have strengthened my resolve, creativity, and ability to inspire others to join the fight against period poverty.

Each experience reinforces my belief that menstrual health is not just a health issue, it’s a matter of dignity, equity, and human rights. This fellowship is an opportunity to further amplify this mission and continue leading with impact.

Can you list some women who have influenced you into the woman you have become and what endeared you to them?

Several women have played pivotal roles in shaping the woman I am today, each inspiring me in unique ways with their courage, resilience, and commitment to making an impact. Here are some of the women who have deeply influenced me:

1. My Mother

• What Endears Me to Her: Her strength, unwavering support, and ability to overcome challenges with grace. She taught me the value of perseverance, hard work, and empathy.

• Impact: Watching her balance multiple roles while ensuring the well-being of her family instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and determination.

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• What Endears Me to Her: Her fearless storytelling and commitment to challenging societal norms. She has been a voice for feminism and equality in ways that resonate globally.

• Impact: Chimamanda inspired me to embrace my identity unapologetically and to use my voice to address important issues, no matter how uncomfortable.

3. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

• What Endears Me to Her: Her intelligence, leadership, and resilience as a global economic leader. She is a beacon of hope for African women in spaces traditionally dominated by men.

• Impact: Her journey reminds me that women can thrive in any field, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for others.

4: Kelechi Abiri

• What Endears Me to Her: Her intelligence, leadership, and resilience. She was more than a Boss to me when I worked for her. She has carefully and diligently stamped her name in the sands of them when it comes to Human Resource management.

• Impact: Her journey reminds me that women can thrive in any field, build anything, run amazing businesses and be mothers and sisters to those close to them. She taught me how to care about the people that work for me.

These women have not only shaped my worldview but also fueled my commitment to creating meaningful change, particularly in menstrual health and women’s empowerment. Their stories remind me that we are all capable of influencing the world in profound ways.

What are some of the most persistent myths or stigmas about menstruation that you’ve encountered, and how does Femme Avenue work to dismantle them?

Menstruation remains shrouded in myths and stigmas that perpetuate shame, misinformation, and discrimination. Through Femme Avenue, I’ve encountered several persistent myths and worked to dismantle them with education, advocacy, and community engagement. Here are some of the most common myths and how Femme Avenue addresses them:

1. Menstruation is Dirty or Impure

• The Myth: Many cultures view menstruation as unclean, leading to harmful practices like isolating menstruating women or restricting them from religious or social activities.

• How Femme Avenue Dismantles It: We use educational workshops and menstrual health flashcards to teach that menstruation is a natural biological process, not a sign of impurity. By normalizing conversations around periods, we help challenge these stigmas.

2. Period Pain is Just Part of Being a Woman

• The Myth: Many believe that severe menstrual pain is normal and should be endured without seeking medical help.

• How Femme Avenue Dismantles It: Through our wellness campaigns and innovative products like menstrual heating relief belts, we educate women about conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, encouraging them to seek medical support when necessary.

3. Menstrual Blood is Contaminated

• The Myth: Menstrual blood is often seen as toxic or harmful, leading to taboos about touching food, water, or communal spaces while menstruating.

• How Femme Avenue Dismantles It: We emphasize science-based education in schools and communities, debunking myths about menstrual blood through engaging activities and interactive tools.

4. Using Sanitary Products Can Affect Virginity

• The Myth: In some communities, girls are discouraged from using tampons or menstrual cups because they are believed to affect virginity.

• How Femme Avenue Dismantles It: Through our menstrual education programs, we clarify that virginity is a social construct and that using tampons or cups has no bearing on a person’s worth or morality.

5. Women are Less Capable During Their Periods

• The Myth: Some believe menstruating women are emotionally unstable, weak, or unable to perform certain tasks.

• How Femme Avenue Dismantles It: We highlight stories of women excelling in various fields while menstruating, proving that periods don’t define one’s abilities. Our affirmation cards also empower menstruators to feel confident and capable.

Femme Avenue’s mission is to educate, normalize, and empower. By challenging these myths, we aim to create a world where menstruation is understood and embraced as a natural, healthy part of life, free from shame or stigma.

You’re developing an app designed to revolutionise women’s health and well-being. Can you share more about its features and the impact you hope it will have?

The app we’re developing is a holistic platform designed to support women at every stage of their reproductive journey. Key features include personalized health tracking, engaging educational tools, wellness resources, and a vibrant community space for connection and support.

Our goal is to break taboos, provide actionable insights, and empower users to take control of their well-being. I cannot give away so much at this stage right now or HR will call me, but I can tell you this, just stay tuned, it’s more than just an app; it’s a revolution in women’s health.

As an award-winning entrepreneur and member of the ForbesBLK community, what unique challenges have you faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?

As a woman in business, particularly in the menstrual health space, I’ve encountered several unique challenges:

1. Breaking Taboos: Menstrual health is often considered a taboo subject, making it challenging to secure partnerships or funding.

• Overcoming It: I tackled this through education and advocacy, highlighting the importance of menstrual equity to potential stakeholders and normalizing conversations around periods.

2. Access to Funding: Like many women entrepreneurs, I’ve faced biases in securing investments, especially for a cause perceived as “niche.”

• Overcoming It: I leveraged storytelling, data-driven impact reports, and my network, including the ForbesBLK community, to connect with like-minded investors who believe in Femme Avenue’s mission.

3. Balancing Roles: Managing multiple roles, entrepreneur, advocate, and leader can be overwhelming.

• Overcoming It: I prioritize self-care and delegate effectively, ensuring my team shares the vision and responsibilities.

4. Navigating Stereotypes: Being underestimated or overlooked because of gender is a recurring challenge.

• Overcoming It: I let my work speak for itself, consistently delivering value and building credibility in my field.

These experiences have made me more resilient, resourceful, and determined to pave the way for other women to thrive in business and beyond.

Why is education such a crucial component of your advocacy for menstrual health, and what strategies have proven most effective in reaching diverse communities?

Education is at the heart of my advocacy for menstrual health because it’s the most powerful tool for breaking stigmas, dispelling myths, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies. Lack of knowledge perpetuates period poverty, shame, and inadequate care, so equipping people with accurate, accessible information is vital to driving lasting change.

Why Education is Crucial

1. Empowers Individuals: Knowledge helps menstruators advocate for their needs and health.

2. Breaks Stigmas: Open conversations challenge societal taboos and normalize menstruation.

3. Drives Change: Educating communities fosters empathy and support, encouraging systemic improvements in policy and accessibility.

Effective Strategies for Reaching Diverse Communities

1. Tailored Content: We use culturally relevant materials, like interactive flashcards and workshops, to address local beliefs and taboos.

2. Collaborative Outreach: Partnering with schools, community groups, and organizations ensures education reaches those who need it most.

3. Interactive Tools: Gamified learning, quizzes, and affirmation cards make education engaging and relatable.

4. Inclusive Language: We ensure our messaging is inclusive of all genders and experiences to foster wider acceptance.

5. Tech Integration: Leveraging digital platforms like apps ensures scalability and accessibility, particularly for underserved communities.

Education creates a ripple effect: informed individuals become advocates, communities evolve, and menstrual health becomes a shared priority. This is the cornerstone of Femme Avenue’s mission.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women that are your yardstick of being successful?

To me, success is about impact, creating meaningful change that uplifts others, challenges societal norms, and leaves a lasting legacy. It’s not just about personal achievements but also the ability to empower and inspire others to rise. For me, success means staying true to my purpose, overcoming challenges, and contributing to a world where women and girls have equal opportunities and dignity.

Women Who Define Success for Me

1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

2. Michelle Obama

3. Serena Williams

4. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

5: Kelechi Abiri

These women exemplify that success isn’t just about accolades but about leading with purpose, breaking barriers, and inspiring others to dream bigger.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

To younger girls pursuing purpose, my advice is simple but powerful:

1. Know Yourself

• Take the time to discover what truly matters to you, your passions, values, and strengths. Purpose begins with self-awareness.

2. Embrace the Journey

• Purpose isn’t always a straight path; it’s a journey of growth, challenges, and self-discovery. Don’t rush it. Every step teaches you something valuable.

3. Be Bold and Unapologetic

• Don’t let fear or societal expectations hold you back. Pursue your dreams unapologetically and stand firm in your values, even when it feels uncomfortable.

4. Seek Knowledge and Mentorship

• Educate yourself continuously and seek guidance from those who inspire you. Mentors can provide invaluable advice and open doors you didn’t know existed.

5. Build a Supportive Circle

• Surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and encourage you. A strong support system can help you stay grounded and motivated.

6. Focus on Impact, Not Perfection

• Your purpose should be about creating value and making a difference, not about being perfect. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

7. Stay Resilient

• Challenges will come, but resilience will keep you moving forward. Believe in yourself and your vision, even when the road gets tough.

Most importantly, remember that your purpose isn’t just about you, it’s about how you can use your talents and experiences to make the world a better place. Stay authentic, keep learning, and let your light shine.