Day 16: Period Poverty

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Each month or so, 800 million people get their periods.

Period poverty is inadequate access to period products and menstrual cycle education and research has shown that many people all over the world still face these barriers.

Historically marginalized communities, especially, do not have access to these essentials. According to Days for Girls, 25% of people who menstruate experience period poverty. Lack of access to products and resources can lead to forced use of rolled up toilet paper, socks, tissues, rags, old blankets, and even garbage bags.

Additional health challenges can arise, including having to miss work or school, or otherwise being unable to function in their daily routines.

IF YOU HAVE…

5 Minutes	and	10 Minutes	and	30 Minutes
	and		and
READ THIS ARTICLE about how women from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and Oglala Lakota tribes advocate for the availability of free menstrual products in rural areas.	and	WATCH THIS VIDEO about schools and universities that have begun to provide menstrual products for those that need it in order to tackle period poverty.	and	WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY that explores how the lack of access to sanitary protection affects millions of women around the world.

REFLECT

Take a moment to reflect today’s challenge and any insights you experienced.

• How did this challenge make you feel?
• What did you learn?
• What did you notice about yourself after taking the challenge?
• Consider sharing this new awareness with a friend or group to help deepen your understanding of the information.
• Continue the conversation online and connect with others by joining our Racial & Social Justice Facebook group.

Let us know why this challenge is important to you by leaving your comment here.

Thank you for joining us in our Stand Against Racism Challenge. Our work continues every weekday from May 2 – May 30. Each day you’ll be offered some content to help you take a deeper dive into the daily topic.

We ask that you undertake this challenge with an open mind and willingness to explore new ideas and allow yourself to sit with any emotions that may come up for you.

This content may be hard to process so consider having a self-care plan in place beforehand. This can include meditation before or after engaging, watching your favorite show, or doing something creative.

We look forward to going on this journey towards true equity and justice with you!

Just joining the SAR Challenge? Register and find the previous days here.

Share each challenge online with #SARChallenge

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