Glamorous influencer is questioned at border over object in her bag – and is forced to give unexpected demonstration

A travel influencer has revealed how she was stopped at the Senegal border over a tampon in her bag and was forced to give an impromptu demonstration.

Tara Katims, 25, was traveling across from The Gambia when baffled border security staff pulled out the item from her purse.

There was some confusion as the agents asked her to explain what it was.

But luckily, the quick-thinking traveler managed to overcome the language barrier with a demo.

‘They didn’t give any suggestions as to what they thought it was, but after they pulled out 10 from my purse and said ‘open it,’ I decided to take matters into my own hands and explain,’ Katims told Newsweek.

Despite a language barrier she was able to explain the object by using a physical demonstration

She described the situation as ‘hilarious across the board’ and later posted a TikTok about the incident.

In the video, certified CTA travel agent Katims is seen pushing the tampon out before motioning to her crotch, prompting smiles and laughter from the border agent.

After a thorough search, she and her party were allowed to advance on their journey.

‘There are no X-rays, so I understand the precaution,’ Katims said. 

The exchange caused amusement online with others sharing similar experiences.

‘Hahah no you having to show him,’ one person said. 

 ‘Aw this is genuinely wholesome hahaha. He seems like a good sport,’ another added.

However, some took the opportunity to raise the issue of period poverty.

Influencer Tara Katims has revealed how she was stopped at the Senegal border over a tampon in her bag and forced to give an impromptu demonstration

‘I did a medical trip to Guatemala and nobody knew what a tampon was. and most didn’t know pads either,’ one person said. 

 ‘Same thing happened to me in Dubai. They didn’t know what a tampon or pads were.’

Period poverty is, ‘the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health,’ according to the UN.

In Senegal, as well as many parts of West Africa, menstruation is still considered a ‘taboo subject’, according to non-profit Speak Up Africa. 

The organization says  Senegal women lose 40-45 percent of their income during menstruation, and 40 percent of girls aged 9 to 17 miss school at least once a week during their period due to lack of resources to manage their period.

The issue has been noted globally, particularly in places like Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. 

But it is also a domestic issue and in the US, one in 4 teens and one in 3 adults struggle to afford period products, per UN data.