You might be wondering... What Is The Period Project? There is suffering and stigma surrounding this topic, so our very own Gifts that Give Hope Gift Fair partner The Period Project Harrisburg has some updates to share and an upcoming Day of Impact!
What is Period Poverty and Menstrual Inequity?
When most menstruators manage their menstrual hygiene, they can purchase what they need at a drugstore. For some, the cost of supplies is a financial burden or simply out of reach due to homelessness or income restrictions. As of March 2024, state and federal funds (EBT cards) cannot be used to purchase sanitary supplies. As if that wasn't enough, 21 out of 50 states assess a 15% luxury tax on the purchase of sanitary supplies. This is unacceptable. Period poverty is described as having insufficient access to menstrual hygiene supplies, sanitary supplies, and reproductive education. According to a definition created in 2015 by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, menstrual inequity refers to the need for public policy to address the safety, affordability, and availability of menstrual products for everyone who needs them.
"Since I began The Period Project Harrisburg, I have answered that question many times. The term period poverty is not one most of us are familiar with....thankfully. I know I wasn't. Choosing this topic to complete my degree was part curiosity and part conviction. I was unaware of the struggle that exists in our city, our country, and globally with this issue.
As a young woman, I lived a life of privilege most of my childhood but spent a few years struggling to make ends meet. During nursing school, times were incredibly tight for me. I can remember eating hotdogs and macaroni & cheese every day of the week because it was what I could afford on my meager income. Thankfully, I was able to afford menstrual hygiene supplies and did not have to face the challenge many women do. I never had to face a choice between my job and "bleeding through"....or extending the wear of my products because payday is not until next Friday. Risking a fatal infection because you need to use available money to feed your family should not EVER be a decision made by anyone.
Until we educate others about this issue, we cannot open the conversation about other human rights issues...and human dignity. Period poverty IS unacceptable...it is a dignity issue....it IS unfair and it IS going to end."
SAVE THE DATE & Get Involved!
Period Project Harrisburg will also be hosting a virtual fundraiser online from October 23rd to October 31st. Donations can be made at theperiodprojectharrisburg.com OR via QR code on our Facebook and IG pages.
