This blog piece was written by one of our students, Bridget. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue.
Normally, when individuals hear about periods their mind goes to disgust, and uncomfortability, resulting in an environment where silence is of value. This silence is the number one bellwether of period poverty. Period poverty is the mental stress and physical challenges such as accessing menstrual hygiene education, sanitary, products, and restrooms. Period poverty is not a minor issue. It leaves 500 million individuals around the globe struggling.
Notably, there are two major perpetrators of period poverty; lack of hygiene education, and the pink tax.
The lack of hygiene education thrives in schools across the globe due to the lack of comprehensive sexual education, leaving those who menstruate stranded to discover their reproductive health. This lack of hygiene education causes menstruators, especially in developing countries, to feel embarrassed and subject to punishment. The societal shame noted, frequently arises in the life of a transgender individual, but for an additional reason. In pursuit to find proper hygienic products or disposal receptacles in restrooms, they too come face to face with a public health crisis.
If you didn’t know, on average an economically privileged individual spends $25-$30 a month, $400 per year, and over $10,000 per lifetime on period products. Those not economically privileged, resort to using items such as rags, reused pads, and other unhealthy alternatives. These two experiences are not only frustrating but place a financial burden on more than half the global population.
In St. Louis, MO, 46% of the menstruating populace experience period poverty. This is what drove St. Joseph’s Academy and St. Louis University High School to collaborate with Her Drive during March, and collect period products! Her Drive is a nonprofit organization based out of Chicago dedicated to ending Period Poverty. And it is run by three young women: Alexa Mohsenzadeh, Jenica Baron, and Naomi Lacey. For me, this experience was compelling, empowering, and provided me with an opportunity to grow in my connections with others.
If you are interested in hosting a “Her Drive” or simply donating reach out through this link! https://www.herdrive.org/
