The Power of Days

by Celeste Mergens

An inspiring personal story of resilience, hope, and proof that we can all make a difference, from the founder of the award-winning global organization Days for Girls.

Imagine missing school or work every month because you lacked proper menstrual supplies. How many days per year would you lose in education and wages simply because you got your period? What if no one ever taught you about menstruation, or worse—if menstrual taboos and myths made you feel ashamed of your body?

In 2008, Celeste Mergens was working with an overcrowded orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, when she learned that menstruating girls sat on cardboard in their rooms for several days each month.

This set into motion a simple idea—combining a washable, long-lasting pad with taboo-breaking education—that became a catalyst for an unlikely global movement for equity.

Written in short, evocative chapters, The Power of Days tells the story of Mergens’s quest to rally a global response to elevate menstrual health, increase universal access to menstrual supplies, shatter stigma through education, and advocate for global policy change. Raised in poverty by a mentally ill parent, Mergens learned early on that building the life she wanted would take equal parts determination and humility, traits that led her to create the kinds of inclusive conversations and solutions she is known for around the globe.

The challenges Mergens faced and the lessons she learned, personally and professionally, and the triumphs and resourcefulness of leaders all over the globe are illuminating to all who wish to make a difference and create a more equitable world.

Today, Days for Girls reaches more than 2.6 million women and girls in 145 countries. The organization’s impact continues to grow, proving that small changes can create big shifts. This journey to overcome one of the world’s most prevalent taboos is proof that no divide is impossible to bridge.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Womens

352 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste Mergen is an amazing lady and I got much more than I bargained for with this book. I'd heard of Days for Girls and assumed that's what this book would be about. But this book is so much more than a history of a phenomenal organization doing good for so many. It's also a book about Celeste's own life and her resilience. She is a strong woman with drive, ambition, and the ability to get things done; and, at the same time, she's able to slow down, listen, and look for ways to come together to promote lasting change.

"Shame is a common tactic in development and in responses ranging from politics to boardrooms to negotiations with teenagers. Making people wrong is perhaps the least effective way to create a real shift. Real change happens when we come together with new perspectives and truly connect. People support what they create, not what is forced upon them."

I honestly think that everyone should read this book. If you menstruate, you'll likely feel pretty lucky to have the luxury of education about menstruation as well as readily access to menstruation supplies. If you don't menstruate, you can learn and become a menstruation supporter. Celeste shares the shame and cultural stigma she and others have helped to dissipate around the world. While we certainly don't face anything to that extent here in the US, there is room for improvement.


——
A couple more quotes from the book I want to put here to remember:
"I learned long ago that when someone shares a perspective different from your own, it is wise to ask questions and listen before assuming your own perception is correct. Even if it feels so far off that it is hard not to laugh in response."

"How do we make sure we see that the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us?"

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very knowledgeable all-over emotional book to read. I knew of this condition but never knew that someone had taken the initiative to help these young ladies. Now, to protect these girls from the nasty predators they have around them in their communities. They are definitely very strong young women.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful book! ⭐️

Quotes:
“Iniquity grows in the shade of silence” -The power of days

“Eyes that look are common; eyes that see are rare.”
J. Oswald Sanders

“Real change happens when we come together with new perspectives and truly connect. People support what they help to create. Not what is forced upon them!” -Power of days

“To invite others to consider new possibilities holds far more power than telling somebody what to do!” -Power of days

“Big challenges are big opportunities in disguise. Dare to hope for the change you yearn to see in the world and go after it.” -Power of days

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every person needs to be aware of period poverty. Even if you don't read this book, learn about this issue!

Celeste Mergens has done amazing work with her charity Days for Girls, both in making sure they have the supplies needed and the education to take care of their own bodies. She shared so many inspiring stories of the power of giving days back to women and the changes it makes in a community when women are educated.

[Cas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly inspiring. One woman’s journey that has impacted millions of lives. The author, Celeste Mergens is truly a hero of our time. Learn how she overcame a life of poverty to lead a world wide effort to educate women and girls and help girls in impoverished areas stay in school.

“I was not my clothes. I was not my hunger. I was not my physical appearance. And I would later go on to learn I am neither my abundance, positions, nor intellect. For better or worse, none of us are. We are not our economic circumstances; we are not our posses- sions; we are not our trauma. It is not our circumstances, but our responses, that shape and define who we are. I somehow knew then—and I know even better today—that each one of us is far greater than we can possibly comprehend; each one of us has something to contribute. We all matter.”

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instantly captivating! I can’t wait to finish it. My wife has been reading it day and night. What an amazing story and reality turned wonderful! Thank you Celeste

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a scale of importance, this is a 6 stars book. Celeste Mergens tells the backstory and story of how Days for Girls was created and built into an international humanitarian and educational organization to bring equality back to girls who have been isolated, exploited, and misinformed about menstruation. It was astonishing to learn the terrible traditions and fears based around a girl’s/woman’s period. Education for girls was limited because not only were they not allowed to come to school while bleeding but they had no safe or clean way to contain the bleeding. The exploitation of these girls was nauseating to read about, so I am now a cheerleader for Days for Girls. It is more than just educating about periods, but also hygiene, self defense, what is consent, and giving back the power of their own lives to the girls. I would have given it higher star count, but the book itself needed a heavier hand with editing. Lots of repetition between the stories about the cultures and girls. This is a hugely important topic, but the book itself needs to be edited.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author seamlessly shares her personal experience leading to a commitment for ending period poverty by dismantling taboos, challenging social norms and recognizing the fundamental human right for dignity, health and education. "The Power of Days" is a must read testament to the spirit of progress, strength of community, and the collective responsibility we share in creating a more empowered world for all. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!

[Jodi Escalante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in Kenya, this book felt extra relevant. I admire people who make things happen. To Anita and my friends in Bomet, I hope to dance with you again someday. You have done amazing things.

[Karen Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compassion takes action! In this world where millions of people face insurmountable challenges, it is exhilarating to read about a simple solution to a problem that can be done with our own two hands.

This book helped me realize, no matter our backgrounds and challenges, we all have the power within us to do something good for those around us. It’s a win/win!

[Megan Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!

This book is inspirational, powerful, and beautiful. It was by far my favorite book I have read so far this year. Highly recommend to anybody willing to open up and learn what is going on outside our walls; and how one idea can spark a global change.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine a world where periods are never a problem? The Power of Days book illustrates the need and desire for women and girls to have the knowledge, products, and supportive environments to manager their period and discover their potential and self-value. Celeste humbly shares how her experience in the African orphanages changed her world and set into motion a global movement for equity.
It's definitely a must read and will inspire you to join her in our quest to make a positive difference in the lives of so many women and girls around the world.

Juliana Howard
Days for Girls International Board Member

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoyed this book. The issue it discusses, period poverty, is a really important one, and one that is becoming more of a discussion as even in developing countries there are many who lack the proper resources when they have their periods. The origins of Days for Girls, an organization focused on providing menstrual products for girls in developing countries to allow them to attend school without the stigma around their periods is very interesting. Educating girls is very important, as studies show that the more educated the women in a population the better off they are. In many places, lack of access to feminine hygiene products leads to a low level of female literacy as girls often don't attend school while they have their periods. Hearing how Days for Girls, from its very beginnings was able to support girls to stay in school and "get their days back" was interesting and inspiring. I also enjoyed the author's story as it showed how her connection to the issue was so personal due to her own poverty growing up and how she knew firsthand the struggle of being able to go to school when she had no access to proper period care products. How she has been able to turn the spark of an idea into a global organization that provides women and girls with sanitary products so they can gain an education which will mean they can go on to better their communities was really cool.

I found the book dragged a little in the middle for me. Each community deserves to have its story told, but some of the stories of the individual community efforts began to run together for me.

I listened to an audio version of this book, read by the author. Usually, I enjoy it when an author narrates their own work but in this case, I found it a little difficult to listen to and kind of wish someone else had narrated instead.

I received a free advanced copy of this audiobook from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jen Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a remarkable organization! Celeste Mergens came from a challenging background. She had a rough go due to family mental illness, sexual abuse, and poverty. Somehow she managed to overcome so much, marrying a good man and raising six children.

She got involved in charity work in Kenya. One day she woke up in the night wondering what the school girls did when they got their periods. She learned that they were forced to miss school and spend the whole time on cardboard in their rooms. She investigated further and found that sometimes the girls were in even worse conditions, even exploited. She went to work devising a plan and began what came to be known as Days for Girls. It is a non-profit that makes reusable, washable pads in a little kit along with instructions, describing in simple terms what is happening with girls bodies, how it is not something to be ashamed of and how to properly clean and care for themselves and the pads. Soon Days for Girls had volunteers and ambassadors who helped sew the pads, and teach the girls in presentations in different countries around the world.

Celeste has a very kind and compassionate satire and is able to take on challenging subjects in a way that empowers others. For example, many women in Africa were involved in cutting, more specifically genital mutilation as part of a girls development. She celebrated the parts of the traditions that were good (ie celebrating a girls transition to womanhood) and taught them a better way. She passed out colored ribbons that pledged no more cutting and those who had been doing it, took the pledge. They felt recognized for the good they were trying to do and now understood better and felt supported I. Making changes.

There were lots of obstacles along the way, but so many good things to outweigh the hard. It is amazing how much this information helps both men and women in communities all over the world.

I am very inspired! 5 stars!

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It never occurs to most of us American women who easily run to the store to restock menstrual supplies that millions of girls and women across the globe have no access to these “basic necessities”. So what do they do when that time of the month comes? In a Nairobian orphanage the girls miss 5 days of school a month while they confine themselves to their room sitting on pieces of cardboard. Elsewhere, girls must trade sexual favors to get a pad from their male teacher. Then there are the places where cultural superstition forces girls to the jungle to sit in a hut alone until their period is done. Some have died from snake or other animal attacks. Even if we could send our wonderful disposable feminine products all around the globe, there often is no trash pickup and used sanitary supplies are blown around to be stuck in fences or shrubs. So what is a sustainable solution? This is the story of Celeste Mergens who, with her own childhood of poverty and abuse, came up with an idea. Thus, Days for Girls, now an award winning global effort, was born. Today there are chapters all around the world, even in Salem, Oregon where women (and men) sew beautifully crafted, sustainable, washable pads. In Salem, our latest shipment went to the refugees in Gaza. Check this worthy, no -profit out online at daysforgirls.org.
This book will appeal to people who would like to contribute with their time, sewing machines, and cash, but also to those who are interested in the business aspect of growing a nonprofit. There are also small women’s businesses that have also been to help create jobs and the local economy, thereby creating a self-sustaining supply for the community.
I got a little tuned out when the business and global initiatives were described, but Celeste’s personal history and the rationale of her wonderful idea come to life were fascinating.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the author's life and how she came to organize the charity, "Days for Girls," which provides menstrual wellness education and supplies to girls and women throughout the world. The author had a very traumatic childhood (the book contains trigger warnings) that triggered all my trauma cells (the big warning came after a lot of trauma had already been described). But it was worth all that, at least once the jangling stopped, to read about this amazing woman who overcame her trauma and has helped so many others. The balance of the book describes very well the problems that arise when girls and women do not have basic health education or any way to take care of themselves while they are having their periods--missed school, if not exile from family and village life in some cultures, vulnerability to sexual exploitation, and on and on. "Days for Girls" has developed a reusable, sustainable system of washable pads and liners that allow girls and women to control their menstrual flow and also protects the environment from the huge amounts of garbage generated by one-use pads. Most important, the education that the group provides and teaches local women to provide allows girls and women to understand that menstruation is a natural and healthy part of their lives, not a "curse" or uncleanness-- and men and boys learn this, too.

[Azyogini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been involved with Days for Girls for over 5 years and have heard Celeste speak on many occasions. Reading this book, understanding her history and how it led to DfG has made me even more committed to this cause. Beautifully written and lyrical, the story unfolds without shame or blame.
Most of us take the accessibility of menstrual care products for granted, but what would your life be like if you had to stay home, on a bunk, and just bleed onto cardboard, moss, or dirt? This is the question that Celeste posed and now we are working toward a global solution.
Girls and women need sustainable solutions to keep them in school or work, to participate fully with their families and communities, and to have the dignity to proceed to a better life. A must read for everyone especially those who have thought "I'd never thought about this."
Menstruation is a natural healthy part of life, and this book will help bring it out of the shadows and become as natural as breathing.
Review based on pre-publication copy provided by the author!

[Jeanne Baumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste Mergens has a story to tell, and she does this in the same graceful manner she has changed the world for many people around the world. Her indominable spirit, insight, courage, humility and vision have brought her from desolate childhood circumstances to leading a global force of empowerment, understanding, and expanded possibilities for women and girls. By gracefully and respectfully encouraging different perspectives, genital cutting/mutilation has been lessened. By bringing sustainable (ecologically and financially) solutions for menstrual health to over 3 million girls and women on 6 continents, lives have been changed.

I am grateful for my opportunity to participate in the legion of women and men whose efforts in Days for Girls bring Celeste's visions to fruition, and am grateful for having read this record of days of change in my home, in my country, and around the world.

It's an amazing story!

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book enough to stick with it to the end. And of course, the power of what the author built is absolutely astonishing and wonderful. Two things led me to give it only 2 stars. First, the book got incredibly repetitive, as Mergens told basically the same story with some small variation from country after country. The was no reason for the repetition that I could discern. The other thing I couldn't get beyond was her complete inability to delegate to the very capable team she built around her, even when her own health was in grave danger. Instead she seemed (and sounded, because the author read the book herself) proud that she maintained an intense international travel schedule while gravely ill, even though her husband was frantic with worry for her back home, and cried himself to sleep a couple of nights while she continued her trip.

[Kimberly King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! And Celeste has a way of weaving beautiful words of hope, love, compassion, and Inspiration through this book.
Celeste is a beautiful soul that shines brightly through with this magnificent story. She has helped make this world a better place.

Celeste’s life and work are the things miracles are made of. This book you won’t want to put down. It can open your heart, break it, and put it back together, and help you gain hope and compassion along the way.
She is a survivor, change-maker, and inspiration to us all.
Everyone who has the opportunity to read this beautifully written story will be transformed for the better.

She is proof that one woman can change the world!

[Pam Fredericksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

By following up on a dream that uncovered a real-life nightmare in a Kenyan orphanage, Celeste Mergens established an international organization that has led to the improvement of the lives of millions of girls and women all over the planet by providing them with reusable menstrual products. Lessons learned in her own hard-knock youth enabled her to break through barriers of silence, deprivation, and tradition, allowing young women to achieve never-before-imagined goals. This is also a book for those who believe in the power of community, as we learn how a small local project became a world-wide network of volunteers whose ultimate goal is to nurture local self-supporting enterprises. What an inspiration Celeste is to all who have been affected by her incredible work!

[Curtis J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving, inspirational and paradigm shifting literary work.

Celeste's journey from extreme poverty to empowering over 3 million women and girls worldwide is simply astonishing. Her ability to alchemize pain and trauma into love, compassion, and selfless advocation is beautifully shared in this book that pulls no punches. The Power Days will change the way you see the world by unearthing challenges that mere discussion around has been shunned for too long. Perhaps more importantly however, Celeste provides the reader with a periscope by which to explore just how anyone, including you, can be an agent of much needed change for humanity.

[Gayle P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting Masterpiece: The Power of Days Inspires Beyond the Last Page.

Brilliantly written, I couldn't put down The Power of Days. Mergens transformed childhood poverty and trauma into loving wisdom. She saw the need to help over 3 million girls and women living in the confinement of centuries of taboos for a natural physiologic life-giving process. How she energized teams of volunteers to create menstrual health solutions, educate, and rally global leaders in 145 countries to make health and policy changes is genuinely inspiring. The Power of Days touches your soul and reminds you of the power of We: each of us is an integral part of global wellness, and together, we create miracles!

[Denise Griffitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Power of Days" by Celeste Mergens is a captivating journey through the tumultuous landscape of adversity, resilience, and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit. This is more than a book; it's a catalyst for conversations that need to be had, a catalyst for action, and a reminder that each day is an opportunity to contribute to the collective struggle for women's rights.

Celeste Mergens has not merely penned a narrative; she has ignited a spark with the potential to fuel an increasingly powerful movement. This book prompts deep reflection, fosters empathy, and, above all, sparks the motivation to actively engage in the continual pursuit of a more equitable world.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book. Celeste guides you through her own vulnerable story and the journey that led her to create and grow Days for Girls into a worldwide movement. I really couldn't put it down. This book with inspire you and leave you filled with hope that there are solutions out there and we can all make a difference. Please read it and pass it on. Its message is one that can do more than bring awareness of period poverty, it will teach you to lead, to be kinder, and to build bridges from heart to heart. It's a message the world needs right now.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eyes were wide open after reading The Power of Days. Celeste Mergens has given millions of women and men, young and old, a new perspective on a woman's body and the need to make menstruation something to be discussed, not hidden. And she points out, none of us would be here without a period! She recognizes that girls in many countries were unable to go to school for the days of her period due to lack of menstrual products, or even the shame that culturally a girl could experience. Her book tells the story of her humble ambition to make sustainable period products, hand sewn by people in chapters world-wide, available to all people who menstruate. She has traveled the world with her mission, and her passion is infectious. There are currently 584 chapters in a total of 145 countries.
Days for Girls is a grand compilation of the progression of victories, small and large scale. Education is empowerment. Let Celeste Mergens raise you up and inspire you.
I just started to volunteer for a local chapter of Days for Girls, and I had the privilege of meeting Celeste. All I could think was "no wonder she can reach so many people!" She has a gentle yet confident aura about her and I hung on her every word. I pictured her talking to the large groups of not only girls and women, but many political leaders of both genders. I can see how her personal policy to never shame, but consider alternatives would be met agreeably. She really has inspired me to take a new approach to life.

[Lee Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness the stories Celeste tells. This is the most powerful story of a woman who never accepts no for an answer. It is the story of the founding of a charity that has gone on to empower three million girls and women worldwide with the gift of knowledge and washable menstrual health products that will last 3 years or more.

To read Celeste’s story is to understand resilience and purpose in a new way.

Please read this with the love with which it has been written and learn how anything is possible.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells Celeste Mergen's story from a poverty childhood, the founding of Days for Girls, and the incredible and swift growth of this organization around the world. Days means giving girls Days back at school during their menstrual cycle. Perhaps few of us are aware that hundreds of thousands of females have no access to sanitary supplies and are still subject to taboo rituals during their periods. The goal of DFG is to see that Every Girl. Everywhere. Period. has the supplies and education they need. 3 million girls have been reached. Please read and donate.

[Holly Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoah, WOW, oh my gosh. Are there even words to describe this book and the impact that Celeste and Days for Girls has had? I'm finding it difficult to describe. This is THEE "Must Read" of Must Reads!! Start it now, don't wait. Whether it be the book or the Audible version beautifully narrated by the author herself - this is a book that will surely invoke inspiration in you. You may cry and celebrate at various times with the author as you make your way through her incredible journey and story that has had an immense global impact. Read it now!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is everything the synopsis below says it is. I have been familiar with this organization for a long time. I was in a chapter, and then a single sewist until they discontinued that program. I can’t think of an organization in the world that has done more good than this one. The ripple effect is phenomenal! I gave it a 4 star because it was a little longer than what I felt it needed to be. I listened to it and I highly recommend you listen to it at 1.2 speed. The organization of DFG is a 10 star!