Period Poverty Project Rooted Leadership Project 2023 - Program Run by CPAF - CJ Calica

"Access to menstrual products should be considered a basic human right, not a privilege." - Jane Franklin

Menstrual products are a basic human right and should never be expensive. That is why menstruation calls for education that is free from stigma and access to goods that encourage appropriate management. In accordance with a survey done in 2021 by Thinx and PERIOD, 25% of students reported having insufficient access to menstrual hygiene products.

Individuals are increasingly affected by a lack of access to menstrual products, is known as period poverty. Women who experienced monthly period poverty are more likely to have moderate to severe depression than women who had regular access to menstrual products.

That is why period equity is so important, it offers menstruation goods that are inexpensive, secure, and simple to get your hands on. Period equity involves access to hygienic waste places and knowledge about menstruation on campus especially.

Root causes of Period Poverty in Schools...

1. Lack of access to menstrual products: In many cases, schools do not provide free or affordable menstrual products in restrooms, leaving students without the necessary resources to manage their periods.
2. Limited financial resources: Some students may not have the financial means to purchase menstrual products regularly, leading to a lack of access and an inability to manage their periods effectively.
3. Stigma and shame: The taboo surrounding menstruation can lead to a culture of shame and stigma, making it difficult for students to talk openly about their menstrual health needs and access the resources they need.
4. Inadequate sex education: Lack of education and information about menstruation can contribute to misconceptions and myths surrounding periods, leading to a lack of understanding and awareness of menstrual health needs.
5. Gender inequality: The gendered nature of menstruation and the societal discrimination against girls and women can contribute to a lack of access to resources and support for managing periods.
6. Limited access to healthcare: Students who do not have access to healthcare or insurance may face additional barriers to managing their menstrual health and accessing necessary resources.

"Period poverty robs students of their right to education and dignity." - Kiran Gandhi

Constituents: Women and girls in the Los Angeles community who are affected by period poverty, such as those served by organizations like LA Period and The Homeless Period LA.

Allies: Organizations that support the cause of ending period poverty, such as the LA Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) and the Los Angeles Women's Foundation.

Primary Target: Women and girls in the Los Angeles community who are affected by period poverty and lack access to menstrual products.

Secondary Target: Organizations and institutions that can help address the issue, such as schools and healthcare providers, such as LAUSD and LA Care Health Plan.

The survey was about period poverty among students and faculty in the Los Angeles and Glendale area. The survey aimed to understand the access and availability of menstrual products among students and the financial, educational, and stigma-related impacts of period poverty. These results highlight the need for addressing period poverty and increasing access to menstrual products for students in the Los Angeles area.

Survey Reports

85%: Reported not having consistent access to menstrual products, with many relying on friends or family members to provide them.

55%: Reported that their schools provide free menstrual products, with many students relying on community organizations or friends and family members to provide them.

70%: Reported not having access to menstrual products said that this has a financial impact on their families, as they have to spend money on these products.

80%: Reported feeling embarrassed or ashamed to ask for menstrual products, and many reported that they had missed school or other activities due to a lack of access to these products.

What I did to Spread Awareness/Education...

Class Presentations

I gave around 7 class presentations within the GUSD district to middle and high school classes about Period Poverty and Equity. If you want to give your own presentation at your school, attached is a link to my presentation and steps on what you can do during yours.

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic of period poverty and provide context on why it is an important issue to discuss.
2. Definition: Define period poverty and explain what it means to lack access to menstrual products.
3. Statistics: Present statistics and data on the prevalence of period poverty in the Los Angeles area, and among students specifically.
4. Financial impact: Discuss the financial impact of period poverty on families, and the difficulties students face when trying to access menstrual products.
5. Stigma: Discuss the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation, and how this exacerbates the issue of period poverty.
6. Solutions: Present potential solutions to address period poverty, including education, providing free menstrual products in schools, and supporting community organizations that work to provide access to menstrual products.
7. Call to action: Encourage the audience to take action in their communities to address period poverty, such as by advocating for change, volunteering, or donating to organizations that support the cause.

• Infographics: I posted up not just the survey and donation posters, but also posters that can help spread more information about the issue in the Glendale/LA area

Workshops:

Held workshops about how others can advocate for period poverty or informational workshops about the topic at after school programs in GUSD.

• Breaking the Stigma: A workshop on period poverty and menstrual health
• Empowering Women through Menstrual Health: A workshop on period poverty and sustainability
• Period Poverty 101: Understanding the issue and finding solutions

Template Letter to YOUR School Board/District

Dear [School Board/District Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my support for providing free period products in schools. I believe that having access to these essentials will greatly benefit students and help to reduce period poverty.

Providing free period products in schools is a vital step towards ensuring that all students have equal access to education and can attend school comfortably and without any distractions. In addition, it will help to reduce the burden of financial stress for families and increase student attendance.

I would like to urge you to allocate funding for this important initiative and provide period products in all school restrooms. Providing these products is a small but meaningful way to support the health and well-being of students.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your positive response and implementation of this initiative.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Product Donation Bins and Amazon Wish List

• Period Product Bins: A period product bin is a designated container located in school restrooms that holds free menstrual products for students to access as needed. These bins can help reduce period poverty by providing students with access to essential menstrual products, regardless of their ability to afford them.
• Amazon Wish List: A list of menstrual products that can be donated to support individuals experiencing period poverty, providing an effective way to provide access to menstrual products right at the comfort of your home.
• Period Book Giveaways: These books can serve as a resource for students who may not have access to comprehensive sexual education or who may not feel comfortable discussing these topics with family or friends.

Book Examples:

• "Girls Got This: Navigating Life, Love and the Period Journey" by Jo Kelly
• "Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement" by Nadya Okamoto
• "Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing: How to Stay Healthy, Safe and Wise" by Mavis Jukes

Should you have any inquiries, comments, or apprehensions regarding the RLP Period Poverty Project, or should you wish to offer assistance and participate in the initiative, kindly direct them to our email address at audienceink@gmail.com.

Rooted Leadership Project is a youth leadership program run by Center for the Pacific Asian Family.