Arts Thread

Menstruation is a beautiful and natural process that symbolises the beginning of sexual maturity in every adolescent girl’s life. However, in Indonesia, adolescent girls face a unique challenge - the lack of proper knowledge and awareness about menstruation that leads to unpreparedness on the onset of menarche. If this problem keeps occurring, it could compromise the adolescent girl’s future abilities to manage their reproductive health. Diari Dara, is a community for pre-menarcheal and menarcheal adolescent girls in Indonesia. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for young women to commemorate their first menstruation and learn about feminine hygiene through engaging and fun activities. We believe that by equipping young girls with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their reproductive health, we can empower them to take charge of their bodies and their futures. We recognise that menstruation is still considered taboo in Indonesia, but we believe that it is important to break the silence and create a space where adolescent girls can openly discuss their experiences and concerns with their loved ones. We want to celebrate this milestone with you in a shroud of secrecy and intimacy, as we understand how personal and meaningful this moment is to our fellow Dara. This project was created collaboratively along with my peers (Alicia, Theo, and Erfa) for our final year BA (Hons) Design Practice project at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.