Coming up this Saturday, October 19th, the first ever National Period Day will be taking place. Period chapters across the nation will be rallying to bring attention to the epidemic that is period poverty.
It’s 2019, and yet, 35 US States still have a sales tax on period products considering them non-essential items. 1 in 4 women struggle to afford period products due to a lack of income. In the first city-wide study on period poverty, it was found that 46% of low-income women had to choose between a meal and period products. Because of the period stigma that makes menstruation a taboo topic, we don’t often think about what it’s like for a homeless or low-income menstruator to get their period, and don’t have open conversations about period health or solutions to period poverty.”
period.org
One chapter in particular that will be hosting a rally is Period Boise–the first Period chapter in the entire state of Idaho! Period Boise is an inclusive organization that creates free menstrual hygiene packs including tampons, pads, wipes, menstrual cups, and midol for the homeless community. As of 2018, the population of people in Boise living below the poverty level is 14%, of which the largest demographic is menstruating womxn. Our goal is to donate to and connect directly with the community as well as local homeless shelters.
For more information and to find out if there are any rallies near you, check out National Period Day. Can’t make a rally? Sign the petition to end period poverty.
