Education
Awareness
Committment
“The Unforgetting” Animated Film
The Unforgiven is an animated film about Zolo, a young girl who begins her first menstrual cycle while at school. What could have been a moment of confusion or shame becomes something entirely different when she returns home—where her mother and grandmother meet her not with silence, but with care, recognition, and celebration.
The film captures a simple but powerful truth: how we respond to a girl’s first period can shape how she understands her body, her worth, and her place in the world. Through warmth, presence, and intergenerational support, The Unforgiven shows what it looks like to create a memory rooted in dignity rather than fear.
This story reflects the values and real-world advocacy of Network of Women NOW, whose work centers on restoring education, support, and culturally grounded practices for girls navigating reproductive milestones. The film is an extension of that work—helping families, schools, and communities imagine healthier, more affirming ways to show up for girls.
Thank you for witnessing Zolo’s story.
EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative in Rwanda
In February 2026, Network of Women NOW partnered with the Rwanda Children Christian School to teach menstrual hygiene to mothers in the feeding and family malnutrition program. The women welcomed us the a traditional Rwandan greeting, song in their native language, Rinyarwandan.
The SPARSH–NOW Project: Stitching Dignity, Strengthening Futures in India
In Gadchiroli, India—where access to reproductive health resources is scarce and many young women struggle in silence, two organizations joined hands to spark change. Society for Peoples Action in Rural Service & Health (SPARSH), a trusted community-based organization woven into the heart of the region, partnered with Network of Women NOW to create a powerful initiative focused on menstrual equity, education, and economic opportunity.
Together, they launched sewing cooperatives that teach women and single mothers how to create reusable sanitary pads and period panties. The one of the goals of this project is to create products that support hygiene while generating income for their families. Alongside this skill-building, girls in local schools participate in EmpowerED Hygiene classes, learning not just about their bodies, but about confidence, leadership, and their right to thrive.
Mothers stand taller. Girls feel prepared. Communities gain knowledge and pride.
The SPARSH–NOW Project is more than a program, it is a movement of empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance. With every stitch and every lesson, women are creating a future where no girl’s potential is limited by her period.
Deidra Mwalimu Honored with the Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity Award
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge proudly announces Deidra Mwalimu, CEO & founder of Network of Women NOW, as the recipient of the third annual Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity Award for her EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative.
This project addresses personal hygiene and reproductive health disparities in underserved Louisiana communities through creative and educational approaches, integrating resources like the EmpowerED Hygiene Workbook and arts-based workshops to empower young women with essential knowledge and skills.
Combatting Period Poverty
Increasing Menstrual Equity
Promoting Personal Hygiene
