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The Power of Days
A Story of Resilience, Dignity, and the Fight for Women's Equity
Published by BenBella Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
The journey to overcome one of the world’s most prevalent taboos is proof that no divide is impossible to bridge.
This is the story of one woman’s path to create a grassroots effort that has now helped nearly 3 million women and girls in 145 countries on 6 continents—and isn’t stopping there.
Every month, millions of girls and women around the world miss school and work during their periods because they don’t have access to menstrual products such as pads or tampons.
In 2008, Celeste Mergens was working with an overcrowded orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, when she learned that menstruating girls there sat on cardboard in their rooms for several days each month. This set into motion a seemingly simple idea—combining a washable, long-lasting pad with taboo-breaking health education—that became a catalyst for an unlikely global movement for equity. By creating opportunities and inclusive invitations for others to join, that movement grew to become the award-winning nonprofit Days for Girls.
In this book, Mergens offers insight into what allowed her to face every obstacle with a positive mindset, determination, and humility. 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.
The Power of Days is a story of a social shift and a legacy for future generations—one that highlights the powerful impact we can have when we come together.
This is the story of one woman’s path to create a grassroots effort that has now helped nearly 3 million women and girls in 145 countries on 6 continents—and isn’t stopping there.
Every month, millions of girls and women around the world miss school and work during their periods because they don’t have access to menstrual products such as pads or tampons.
In 2008, Celeste Mergens was working with an overcrowded orphanage on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, when she learned that menstruating girls there sat on cardboard in their rooms for several days each month. This set into motion a seemingly simple idea—combining a washable, long-lasting pad with taboo-breaking health education—that became a catalyst for an unlikely global movement for equity. By creating opportunities and inclusive invitations for others to join, that movement grew to become the award-winning nonprofit Days for Girls.
In this book, Mergens offers insight into what allowed her to face every obstacle with a positive mindset, determination, and humility. 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.
The Power of Days is a story of a social shift and a legacy for future generations—one that highlights the powerful impact we can have when we come together.
Product Details
- Publisher: BenBella Books (March 10, 2023)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9781637743744
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Raves and Reviews
"""Filled with determination and an unwavering spirit, the founding story of Days for Girls comes alive in this remarkable book. Its message of courage and resilience offers valuable insights into how to overcome obstacles in order to create a lasting impact in the world. This inspiring and essential read is a call to action for anyone committed to creating positive change.""
—Cynthia Kersey, author of Unstoppable, and founder and CEO of the Unstoppable Foundation
""Mergens uses her immense talents as a writer and storyteller to destigmatize the topic of menstrual health, offering a blueprint for others who want to catalyze change for a fairer and more equal world.""
—Raj Kumar, founder of Devex
""Celeste Mergens takes you on a journey of resilience, hope, and healing in this inspiring and uplifting memoir.""
—Jen Gottlieb, keynote speaker, author of Be Seen, and cofounder of Super Connector Media
""A humble champion and advocate for women around the globe, Celeste honestly uncovers a tragic problem that we all need to hear about and help to solve. Her unique story will touch your heart as Days for Girls reclaims precious lost days of education and equality, and replaces them with days of dignity, safety, and freedom.""
—Cynthia Covey Haller, coauthor of Live Life inCrescendo"
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High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Power of Days Hardcover 9781637743744
