Various menstrual products
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pme donates: Periodensystem e.V.

Maxi Bethge-Lewandoski has a vision: to end period poverty in Germany and promote education around the topic of menstruation. As the founder of the voluntary association Periodensystem e.V., she is committed to giving the topic of menstruation the attention it deserves. In this interview, Maxi gives us an insight into her inspiring work and the challenges involved. 

"The topic of menstruation and period poverty needs more social awareness and attention."

Who is behind the periodic table?

Maxi : We are an association founded and run by volunteers. Each and every one of us pursues the mission of creating more equality and providing low-threshold help and education on period poverty and menstruation. 

Our members have been collecting donations since 2016 to provide those in need with period and hygiene products. We also work with artists, gynecologists, schools and companies to raise awareness. The topic of menstruation and period poverty needs more social awareness and attention.

What does your daily work look like?

Maxi: We distribute period and hygiene items to emergency shelters, schools, organizations and mother and child homes, among others. We are also in close contact with homeless shelters and social institutions. This means we always know what is needed when and can guarantee that the donations arrive where they are needed. We supply emergency shelters such as those run by GEBEWO, Berliner Stadtmission, SKF and DRK directly with menstrual and hygiene products via our crowdfunding page on betterplace.org

Through our online community on Instagram and Facebook, we educate people about period poverty and the topics of menstruation, equality and more in general. 

In regular online live sessions, meet-ups and interviews, our team and community members provide information on topics such as intersexuality, pregnancy, homelessness and sexuality. We also offer workshops for companies, schools and events to raise awareness of the topic among as many social groups as possible.

We make the topic visible on Instagram and cooperate with companies to get it out of the taboo zone.


Access to menstrual products is not a matter of course.

How did you come up with the idea of campaigning for period education?

Maxi : I have always thought about what actually happens to menstruating women when they are in need. People think about food, clothes and sleeping bags first, but not about periods. 

Then I heard about projects in the UK and the USA and created a crowdfunding page on Betterplace.org. I got GEBEWO on board as a partner to buy products for their emergency shelter and that's how Periodensystem came about.

What do you think a fair world looks like when it comes to dealing with menstruation - and what do you think still needs to change to get there?

Maxi: We have five demands: more education through better education policy in schools and drop-in centers, more public toilets as a shelter for menstruating women, better social policy regarding rent policy and wage levels, better health policy with education and research into diseases, and free items in public buildings - like in Scotland.

What challenges do you face most often in your day-to-day work - be it in terms of organization, financing or dealing with social taboos?

Maxi: In the social sector, our work is widely respected and recognized. We are particularly well received in communities that are committed to equality and social justice. But as soon as we move into the corporate sector, we often encounter challenges. Here, the issue is often seen as a "nice to have" - a side issue that doesn't always get the attention it deserves. 

Especially in the current political and economic situation, there is a risk that topics such as menstruation and sex education will once again disappear from the focus of public perception.
At the same time, we are seeing an increasing demand for sustainable period products, which is pleasing, but also places a heavy burden on our financial and logistical capacities.

How do people react when they hear about your work for the first time?

Maxi: We often hear: "That's right, I haven't even thought about that yet."


According to Plan International menstruating people spend on average between 550 and 650 euros on period products per year.

Are there any stories or encounters that have particularly touched you?

Maxi: There are many touching stories, but the words of thanks from people we have been able to help directly are particularly motivating.

You have received a donation of 10,000 euros from pme. What projects have you already been able to implement or would you like to implement with it?

Maxi: The generous donation of 10,000 euros helps us enormously to drive our work forward and distribute sustainable period products exactly where they are most urgently needed. With these funds, we can not only cover acute needs, but also implement projects aimed at long-term education and awareness-raising.

When people want to support you: What helps you most at the moment - apart from financial donations?

Maxi: Please invite us to your companies so that we can talk about this important topic there. Such conversations help to raise awareness of sustainable menstrual products and remove taboos from the topic in professional environments.

You can also support us by sharing our Instagram profile. If you have school-age children, we would be very happy if you could promote the topic in your children's schools. "Ella's World" is a fantastic guide to providing age-appropriate and informal education about menstruation for 9-14 year olds.

Social commitment of the pme Familienservice

The "pme donates" fundraising campaign has been running for four years, giving pme team members the opportunity to nominate charitable organizations in the areas of international development aid, social work, climate and animal protection and culture for a donation, which they actively support. All team members then vote for the organizations they want to support. The organizations with the most votes receive a donation from pme Familienservice. In 2024, six national and international organizations received a total of 50,000 euros in donations.

zero 5 tips on how to get through the day with little sleep

tired young woman in front of laptop
Body & Soul

5 tips on how to get through the day with little sleep

We all experience nights when we don't get enough sleep. The next day we are exhausted, listless and less productive. Here are five good tips on how to get through a tired day and which pitfalls to avoid.

Facts about sleep

    • A third of adults in Germany state that they regularly or occasionally do not sleep well.

    • Lack of sleep has a similar effect to alcohol - among other things, it restricts attention and concentration, and therefore also judgment.

    • Around 20 percent of fatal accidents in Germany are caused by fatigue.


Strategies against fatigue: 5 tips


1. hurry up and wait


You may want to compensate for your tiredness with a lot of speed - but right now it is important to keep a calm and level-headed pace. Even if it sounds unusual, meditation can give you a little energy boost.



2. the right setting


On tired days, it is particularly important that the surroundings are as distracting as possible and that you feel comfortable. 

This can help:


  • Ensure good lighting, if possible with natural light.

  • Make sure the room temperature is comfortable - neither too warm nor too cold (approx. 20 - 24 degrees Celsius).

  • Ventilate regularly, because sufficient oxygen is essential for concentration and productivity.
  • Reduce distractions by tidying up loose objects and documents at your workstation if necessary.

3. variety and activation


Make sure you keep moving and provide variety. For example, work standing up from time to time or change places. You can have light and healthy snacks such as nuts or apple slices as a small energy boost.


Tip: Chewing gum stimulates blood flow to the brain and therefore promotes concentration. A little massage on your face or earlobes can also do you good.



4. active breaks


If you work sitting down, get up during your break and leave your desk. A few stretching exercises work wonders to restore your energy and prevent tension. 

Always good for a little energy boost: take a short walk out into the fresh air or have a quick chat with colleagues.



5. stay hydrated


The body can only function properly if it is well hydrated. Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day, especially in the form of water. 

Herbal teas without added caffeine provide variety. A few splashes of cold water on the face or wrists will also help you feel fresher.



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This helps with work: clear time management, small rewards


If possible, take a strategic approach to planning your tasks, even on tired days.

At the beginning of the day, get an overview of everything that needs to be done and set realistic goals . Determine your priorities and schedule strenuous tasks into your most productive time slots.

Also define clear working hours and break times.


Tip: Pomodoro technique - for anyone who likes to procrastinate

The Pomodoro technique helps to structure the day: This involves working in a concentrated manner for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. After four such blocks of time, take a longer break of around 20 minutes.


 

Small rewards can also help on tired days. Think about what you can do to give yourself a little treat in between.



Caution, trap: these "aids" are counterproductive


Many popular weapons against fatigue satisfy a momentary need, but make it even harder to get through the day.


1. too much coffee


Too much caffeine can make you jittery and disrupt your sleep rhythm. Therefore, drink a maximum of two cups before lunch and stick to caffeine-free drinks for the rest of the day.


2. sitting for too long


When we are tired, we want to be as comfortable as possible. But sitting for long periods without variety usually makes us even more tired and also leads to tension.



3. heavy food


On tired days, fatty, sweet and salty foods are particularly tempting, as our body recognizes calorie-rich foods as quick sources of energy. However, the short-term sugar high is usually followed by an energy low.



A good end to a tired day


Finally done, the working day is over! The way you spend the evening sets the course for the next day. Of course, you can treat yourself to a series or a social media session, but set yourself a time limit. 

You should also continue to avoid caffeinated drinks and go to bed at your usual time despite being tired in order to return to a healthy sleep rhythm.