This article was written for awesomewoman.com
We believe a company must provide awesome products, services—and impactful action. Period. Listening, bringing to light, and leaning into the important issues that we face worldwide. And then doing. Sisterhood in action = the Power of V.
The opposite of menstrual equity is period poverty: the inability to access menstrual health education and products. But it flows into so much more. It's both a physical and mental public health issue with profound consequences, including physical health risks and infections, lasting social and psychological effects, and educational and career fallout.
Ending period poverty requires all of us (including the fellas and non-menstruators) to come together and institute dignity, dismantle taboos, and ensure the human right—and the actual access—to menstrual education and products.
Why menstrual equity is a must.
Having to find alternatives such as dirty rags, socks, or even sawdust and keeping them in for too long can lead to dangerous infections and health issues.
She can’t command a boardroom or kick the winning goal if she is stressed about leaking and casting out funky smells.
It’s time to boldly turn periods into pathways forward.
Together, let’s change these red flag stats.
Lack of access.
Globally, over 100,000,000 high school aged girls are not in school. A lack of access to period products is a major reason. Due to getting behind from missing a week every month, dropping out of school often results in a girl being a child bride to a much older man and forced pregnancies, domestic violence, and malnourishment.
In the US, 76% of students either missed class time or knew someone who missed class because they didn’t have access to period products.
Harmful stigmas.
In Nepal, periods are seen as impure, and menstruators are often banished to huts during their cycles due to menstrual myths and misconceptions. This has resulted in unnecessary deaths due to harsh temperatures and starvation.
In the US, 65% of students agree that society teaches people to be ashamed of their period. Globally, we need to flip the script and properly educate and support this natural and wonderful process.
Education deprivation.
In the US, 76% of students reported they are taught more about the biology of frogs than the human female body in school. In your hometown, and around the world, menstruators have the right to know about their body.
Sexist Laws and Policies.
The ‘Pink Tax’ and ‘Tampon Tax’ are a thing. A New York Study of Consumer Affairs found that products marketed to women and girls cost 7% more than those marketed to men and boys. Also, items like tampons are listed as “luxury items” and taxed excessively along with actual luxury items such as private jets and fine jewelry.
What can you do?
Join us in creating a world where periods are never a problem.
By joining Awesome Woman, every purchase you make will support menstrual equity. Use the power of your dollar to voice and take action.
We partner with organizations cultivating menstrual equity from top to bottom and beyond—delivering sustainable products, advocating for menstrual equity policies, and providing health education.
The Power of V partner organizations don’t just provide a handout and walk away. They do the light, regular, and super absorbency work to accomplish monumental changes and dreams.