National Coordinator
JANE BENNETT, COUNTRY COORDINATOR FOR AUSTRALIA
Jane Bennett, an author, educator, and Co-developer of the rite journey Girls program, is on a mission to reshape society’s views on menstruation. With a background in social work and clinical hypnotherapy, she’s passionate about promoting menstrual and general well-being. Learn more at www.fertility.com.au and www.celebrationdayforgirls.com. Jane’s work has made a global impact, reaching over 20 countries.
TASNIA AHMED, COUNTRY COORDINATOR FOR BANGLADESH
Tasnia Ahmed, a Senior Program Officer at SERAC Bangladesh, is a passionate advocate for menstrual health and women’s empowerment. She educates 750 school-adolescent girls, influences policymakers, and manages donor projects with organizations like Rutgers and UNFPA. Tasnia has trained 5000 youth, secured endorsements from 27 Members of Parliament, and received recognition as a WORTH Initiative fellow. She serves as a global Youth Advocate at Girls Not Brides Alliance and Partnership Representative for International Youth Alliance of Family Planning-Bangladesh. Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
HAIFA MAYANG LESTARI, NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR INDONESIA
Haifa Mayang Lestari, the National Coordinator for Indonesia, dedicates her efforts to improving women’s rights and dignified menstruation through her work at Indonesia’s Woman Health Foundation. She’s committed to transforming Indonesia into a more menstruation-friendly country, addressing the pervasive stigma, lack of knowledge, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure surrounding menstruation. Despite policies in place, such as granting two days off for woman laborers during menstruation, the challenge lies in combating menstrual discrimination and ensuring effective implementation.
MARIANNE LEONAFE PASTORPIDE, COUNTRY COORDINATOR, PHILIPPINES
Mafe is a Country Coordinator for the Philippines. She has extensive experience in campaigns at various levels. She is a computer engineer by profession and spent several years in her career doing various roles in IT and Distribution. She finished her post-graduate studies (Master in Development Management) at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City, Philippines, in 2019.
MS. INTHUMATHY HARIHARATHAMOTHARAN, COUNTRY COORDINATOR SRI-LANKA
Ms. Inthu is the Country Coordinator of Sri-Lanka for Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation. She has MSc in Development and Communication Extension. She has extensive knowledge and skills in training, research, and advocacy around women’s rights, human rights at local, national, regional, and global levels as Head of the program, Vilthu, Sri-Lanka. Contact: [email protected]
SWATI VYAS, LEAD (VOLUNTEER) FOR FUNDRAISING, EVIDENCE DOCUMENTATION, AND NETWORKING
Swati Vyas is a seasoned social work and public health professional with 26+ years of experience in India and the UK. Her expertise spans reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health, as well as communicable and non-communicable diseases. She’s a champion of holistic approaches, addressing social determinants of health and advocating for systemic changes to reduce health inequalities, promote gender equality, and improve overall wellbeing. With a strong academic background and a track record of innovative public health programs, Swati is known for her commitment to equal healthcare access and community participation in public health initiatives.
ANNE PAKOA, NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR VANUATU
Anne Pakoa is a passionate Human Rights Defender, Nurse, and Educator. She founded the Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition to champion social justice and equitable access to services, particularly for the vulnerable. Recognized for her dedication, she received the 2015 U.S Ambassador Women of Courage Award. Anne holds degrees in nursing, education, and education administration. Anne’s mission involves training and empowering human rights defenders to advocate for the rights of indigenous Ni-Vanuatu people and ensure universal access to social and economic opportunities.
MR. CYRIAQUE NKENGURUTSE, NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR BURUNDI
Cyriaque NKENGURUTSE is a proactive civil society leader with expertise in public health. He founded the Association for Reproductive and Family Health Burundi and excels in advocating for Sexual Rights, Reproductive Health, and Gender policy reforms. Currently consulting for World Vision International and Care International, he focuses on socio-economic resilience programs and gender rights. Additionally, he serves as the National Coordinator for the Global South Coalition of Dignified Menstruation in Burundi and plays a key role as an officer Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst in a project promoting Sexual Rights and Reproductive Health among young people, utilizing the interactive card game KUZIKO GAME to facilitate parent-child dialogues.
