‘‘It is about bloody time to stop period poverty’’

Ruud: ‘‘First, let me take you back to my study time in Maastricht. In 1991, I started studying at the School of Business and Economics of Maastricht University and I was granted my master’s degree in Economics in 1999. It was the time of André Rieu as an up and coming artist, the 1992 Treaty of Maastricht, and the local drunkard Pierre in his white outfit, walking from pub to pub from 10am most mornings to drink his shots of jenever.’’

From Mexico and Hong Kong to Australia

‘‘I had a great time in Maastricht and was an active member of the student association E.F.M. (Economische Faculteitsvereniging Maastricht) for many years. I organised the first ever Propedeuse ceremony in 1992, as well as study trips to Prague, Budapest and New York. I also loved to visit the Preuverij Café. During the last years of my study, I started working with the SAP software and I am still active in the world of SAP. It has allowed me to travel and see the world and to live in Belgium, South Africa, Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and since August 2020 in Belgium again. I love scuba diving and running and have been lucky enough to practice these sports in many amazing locations!’’

One of the poorest countries in the world

‘‘In 2007, when I lived in Sydney, I co-founded the not-for-profit organisation Wantaim PNG. My co-founder, Lynne, was born there and her mother still lives there. PNG is one of the 50 poorest countries in the world and some 80 per cent of people do not have a safe, private toilet to use. Our vision is for a strong and sustainable PNG where people are connected, productive and enjoy meaningful, good lives. We collaborate with communities, help mobilise local engagement and help them thrive. We prioritise initiatives focused on two of the largest voiceless groups in PNG: women and youth.’’

Take action to combat period poverty, too

‘‘That is how the Hamamas Meri project started. It is a social enterprise improving gender equality by raising the participation of women and girls in all aspects of life. Like in other developing countries, a lack of access to cheap and affordable feminine hygiene products is causing women and girls to miss out on life. In other words, they experience period poverty. With the Hamamas Meri project, we want to help them.’’

‘‘To support the project, I am organising an International Women’s Day event.  I am challenging everyone to run, paddle, walk, swim, cycle, langlauf any distance between March 8 and 15, 2021, post a picture on their social media accounts with one or many of the hashtags #EndPeriodPoverty #IWD2021 #WantaimPNG #MenstruationMatters #ChooseToChallenge #HamamasMeriKit, and if they have the financial means, to make a donation on our website. Help us buy materials for re-useable sewable sanitation packs, sewing machines and female hygiene education sessions. Or as we say in PNG: ‘Kamapim gudpela sindaum FOR yumi olgeta’, which means ‘working together to thrive together’!’’

Read more about Hamamas Meri and the International Women’s Day event on this website.