The Period.Project’s Time of the Month initiative is up and running! Each month one volunteer or group of volunteers serves as an ambassador for the Period.Project by identifying an agency of their choice, collecting feminine hygiene products and delivering them to women in need. Thank you to the many NCJW/Essex volunteers who have stepped up and taken the lead.
To date, more than 10,000 feminine hygiene products have been collected and distributed. Period.Project members are proud not just of the many boxes of product, but what they represent: the ability to help women go to school or work; the knowledge women can provide for their families; and the dignity of each woman we help.
Period.Project committee members have also been advocating for A3868/S3645, a state bill that requires school districts to provide feminine hygiene products in public schools where a certain percentage of students fall below the poverty line. Thanks to the committee’s efforts, the bill is now in committee in both the Assembly and Senate, and legislators are signing on as co-sponsors! Look for a future “Call to Action” once the bills are out of committee.
It is a thrilling time to be part of the Menstrual Equity movement. Queens, NY Congresswoman Grace Meng recently introduced the Menstrual Equity for All Act, the first comprehensive bill to address the different challenges that women and girls face in affording and accessing menstrual hygiene products. Together we are working to correct inequity and allow all women to maintain their dignity and self-respect.
To help with advocacy efforts, email Stephanie Abrahams, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, at sabrahams@ncjwessex.org.