Period Equity Begins at Home: How a First Period Kit Empowers Girls Worldwide Period Equity Begins at Home: How a First Period Kit Empowers Girls Worldwide

Period Equity Begins at Home: How a First Period Kit Empowers Girls Worldwide

Key Takeaways:

·        First Period Ready: A First Period Kit empowers girls by providing essential supplies and fostering confidence during their first menstrual experience, addressing conerns like leaks at school, sports, or sleepovers.

·       Sustainable From Start: Saalt's sustainable products, like our Teen Collection with youthful designs and heavy absorbency, promote eco-friendly habits from the start, available in youth sizes S-XL.

·       Everything Included: Saalt’s ”First Period Kit” bundle includes 2 Teen Briefs, a Teen Cup, 4oz wash, wipes, compact sanitizer, sticker sheet, go bag, and period booklet—perfect for back-to-school preparation while offering peace of mind. 

A girl's first period marks a profound milestone—a rite of passage that half the world's population experiences. Yet, it's often shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and, in many places, a lack of access to proper tools and support. At Saalt, we're changing that narrative. As a certified B-Corp dedicated to menstrual equity, we donate 1% of our revenue to global impact programs that fight for better period care worldwide. We craft premium leakproof underwear and reusable menstrual products with a focus on sustainability, quality, and empowerment.

But period equity isn't just a far-off global mission; it's deeply personal. It begins right at home, in the conversations we have and the preparations we make. That's where a First Period Kit comes in—a thoughtful collection of essentials that not only provides practical supplies but also builds confidence and breaks down barriers. Drawing from over 100 years of combined expertise in menstrual health, youth empowerment, and sustainable innovation—from advocates like Dr. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf in period policy to youth activists like Nadya Okamoto and frameworks from organizations like UNICEF and the Menstrual Health Hub—we'll explore why these kits matter, what to include, and how Saalt's innovative products fit perfectly into the mix.

Why First Period Kits Matter for Confidence

Imagine the anxiety of an unexpected first period at school, during sports practice, or at a sleepover. For many girls aged 9-16, this moment can feel overwhelming, leading to stress about leaks, awkward bathroom runs, or simply not knowing what to do. A First Period Kit turns that uncertainty into empowerment. It's more than supplies; it's a message of readiness and support: "You're prepared. You're not alone."

Experts in adolescent health, guided by WHO guidelines, emphasize that positive early experiences with menstruation shape self-esteem and body image for years. Having a kit handy—tucked in a backpack or locker—gives girls a sense of control and self-sufficiency. In communities where periods are taboo, it acts as a silent ally, preserving privacy and dignity without the need for whispered requests or panicked trips to the school nurse. (National Library of Medicine)

At Saalt, we've designed our Teen Collection to address these exact scenarios: "School, sleep, sport, and anywhere in between." With messaging like "For test days, heavy flow days, and overnight sleepovers," our products help teens stay comfy and dry, skipping awkward interruptions. Made in collaboration with teens, they're super absorbent and comfortable, covering you from first class to last.

Essential Items in the Saalt First Period Kit

Crafting a First Period Kit doesn't have to be complicated. The goal is to cover the basics while keeping things subtle, yet elevated and user-friendly, tailored for teens' active lives. Here's a curated list of the must-haves we included in Saalt’s First Period Kit to help her be informed in menstrual education and body insights:

  • Leakproof Underwear: A game-changer for preventing leaks, especially during heavy flow days or overnight. Saalt's patented Teen Period Underwear in Heavy, Volcanic Black, are designed in Youth Sizing, 9/10 - 15/16 (S-XL) and seamlessly fit into daily routines like school or sports.

  • Saalt Teen Cup: Crafted from soft medical-grade silicone, the Teen Period Cup is a little smaller that the Saalt Small Cup, made especially for beginners and people new to inserted products. Click here to learn how to insert a menstrual cup

  • Saalt Intimate Cleansing Wipes: Unscented and gentle for quick freshening up on the go—perfect for tossing in a backpack.

  • Saalt Cup Wash: Maintains pH, and perfectly formulated to wash away bacteria and protect skin from residue and irritants. 

  • Saalt Wear Go Bag: Wet bag to hold either clean or soiled leakproof panties on the go. This low-profile zipper pouch fits easily into a backpack, purse, or locker. 

  • Saalt Compact Sanitizer: The compact sanitizer is ideal for home use or on the go. Can be used in the microwave or with boiling water poured over. Collapsible for quick and easy storage. 

  • Periods 101 Booklet: This booklet—created with care alongside our CEO and mom of five, Cherie, and guided by our internal period experts—offers clear, reassuring answers to everything from anatomy, periods & cycle, to confidently using Saalt products.

We’ve added a touch of personality with custom stickers—creating a fun, confidence-boosting experience that reflects our mission to end period stigma and elevate the way parents and teens talk about menstruation.

Reusable vs. Disposable: Teaching Sustainable Habits

In a world where traditional period products contribute to massive waste—plastics and wrappers lingering in landfills and oceans for centuries—introducing reusables early is a powerful step toward sustainability. Reusable options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, or period underwear not only reduce environmental impact but also teach lifelong eco-friendly habits, aligning with circular economy principles from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Starting with reusables can replace thousands of disposables over a lifetime, saving money and resources. While reusables may require a small upfront investment, they pay off in the long run through durability and convenience. For teens, this shift makes period care feel modern and empowering, moving away from the throwaway culture of disposables. Saalt's Teen Collection introduces these benefits right from the start, with fabric (88% Nylon, 12% Spandex) that's soft, flexible, and built for active lifestyles.

How to Talk to Your Tween About Her First Period

Starting the conversation early—before her period arrives—helps her feel prepared and reduces anxiety. Use straightforward language: "It's when your body sheds the lining of your uterus, and it's totally normal." Avoid slang or euphemisms to keep it clear and shame-free.

Show her the products, like Saalt's Teen Cup or leakproof underwear, and explain how they work—perhaps demonstrate with our period booklet. Share your own experiences if comfortable, and emphasize ongoing support: "I'm here for questions anytime." Create a small kit for school or outings, and encourage her to pack it in her backpack for unexpected moments. This approach builds trust and normalizes periods as a natural part of life.

How Saalt Products Fit Into a First Period Kit

Saalt's leakproof underwear is sleek and comfortable, designed to be invisible under clothes—no bulky pads needed. With built-in multi-layer absorbency, it handles light spotting to heavier flows, providing reliable protection and peace of mind for school, sports, or sleepovers.

Our reusable teen cup is built to last for years, reducing waste and cost over time. The “First Period Kit” bundle includes 2 Teen Briefs, a Teen Cup, 4oz wash, wipes, compact sanitizer, sticker sheet, go bag, and period booklet—all in sizes S-XL with heavy absorbency. This fully reusable option shapes positive habits from the first cycle.

Call to Action: Join the Period Equity Movement with Saalt

Ready to empower the next generation? Grab Saalt's “First Period Kit” to equip your teen with confidence-boosting reusables. Share this post to spread awareness about period equity—every conversation counts.

Support our mission: Every purchase contributes 1% of revenue to global charity programs. As a B-Corp, we're committed to sustainability and impact. Join the Saalt community on Instagram, TikTok, or our website for tips, stories, and advocacy opportunities. Together, we can normalize periods and drive change.

Building a Foundation for Period Equity

Talking about periods isn't always easy, but it's essential. By starting at home with a First Period Kit, we're building a foundation for equity—one conversation, one kit, and one leakproof pair at a time. This simple act sends a powerful message: periods are natural, and you're supported. Together, we can empower girls to approach their periods with confidence, dignity, and a lasting commitment to sustainability. After all, period equity begins with us—through education, preparation, and innovative products like Saalt’s Teen Collection.

Read also:

FAQs About First Period Kits and Period Equity

What is a First Period Kit?

A curated collection of essentials for managing first menstruation, including products, hygiene items, and educational materials like our Periods 101 Booklet.

Why does period equity start at home?

It begins with creating supportive environments through open conversations, access to resources, and tools like our Teen Collection for ages 9-16.

How do these kits empower girls?

By providing confidence, reducing anxiety, and normalizing menstruation—especially with reusables that address leaks in school, sports, or sleepovers.

Are they important globally?

Yes, especially in areas where stigma and scarcity make periods challenging; Saalt's impact programs extend this equity worldwide.

What should a typical kit include?

Period products (like pads or Saalt's period underwear), wipes, menstrual cup and cup wash,  and a go-bag—enhanced with our sustainable bundle for lasting value.


Sources:

 

  1. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2024, August 20) Circular Economy Principles.https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy-principles.

  2. National Library of Medicine. (1986, July 7) World Health Organization multicenter study on menstrual and ovulatory patterns in adolescent girls. II. Longitudinal study of menstrual patterns in the early postmenarcheal period, duration of bleeding episodes and menstrual cycles. World Health Organization Task Force on Adolescent Reproductive Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3721946/#.