Room U225 buzzed with anticipation on Thursday, January 11th as students raced against the ticking clock. In a whirlwind of excitement, students quickly added their finishing touches to their carts adorned with pink ribbons, stickers, and hearts. Included along with decorations was calligraphy handwritten in bright red marker that bolded the words, “Promote Her, Period.”
The vibrant carts overflowing with tampons, pads, and liners made their way to the front of the classroom, where the winning group of PHP’s cart decorating contest was chosen by Mr. Jablonka, who teaches history. The winning cart was also displayed in front of a group picture.
After the exhilarating contest concluded, the carts would later be placed in the girl’s bathrooms all over campus. Each ribbon and sticker embellishing the carts, however, stands for a powerful message — a message challenging the stigma surrounding women’s menstrual health.
Discussions about periods are oftentimes hidden in secrecy, whispers, and even shame. However, Promote Her, Period is working to redefine this narrative at Charter, turning period health from a hushed secret into a topic for open conservations that encourage acceptance. Their vibrantly decorated carts serve as a prime example of this, bringing attention to a topic that “should be recognized more and brought to light,” says junior McKenna Gregory, PHP’s social media manager.
79% of teens have reported feeling a lack of proper education regarding menstrual health. Additionally, nearly one-fourth of students in the U.S have struggled to afford period products. This lack of access can take a severe toll on the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of students.
There are countless ways that period stigma appears in society, whether it’s through a lighthearted joke or perpetuating beliefs that aren’t true. Discussions about periods are also considered taboo by many people. Rarely referred to as menstruation, code words such as “that time of the month” are often used. By refusing to speak about periods in a straightforward manner, people often perpetuate the idea that it isn’t an acceptable topic to discuss plainly. “Girls shouldn’t feel uncomfortable mentioning their periods and we should embrace womanhood; the stigma will only continue if we allow it to,” explains senior Anaya Andre, the president and founder of Promote Her, Period.
Additionally, PHP is combating the issue of a lack of menstrual products. While this problem is most notable in developing countries, it is also prominent in the U.S. Until 2017, Florida had a “period tax”, placing additional costs on period products including pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, despite them being basic needs for women in the state.
However, Promote Her, Period is working to fix this problem in our school community, ensuring that women have access to needed supplies. “I think the [cart decorating] event was the tipping point for not only the club, but every girl in our school. I’m so happy that we’ve impacted so many students by filling these carts,” Anaya expresses.
Not only does PHP educate women on their period health, but the club also teaches boys about the menstrual cycle, how it works, and how they can assist their female friends. The topic of periods can often be found unapproachable or uncomfortable to males. However, Promote Her, Period is helping boys feel free to join in and feel comfortable discussing menstrual health. Senior Austin Fenn shares, “It shouldn’t have negative connotations in the first place. I’ve also noticed more people willing to talk about the subject when they come together for meetings, as compared to before.”
Since the start of the club, the president of the club, Anaya Andre, has noticed much more awareness of menstrual health and women’s empowerment here at Charter. She explains that students are eager to come to PHP meetings and learn how they can be a part of the change.
“The feminine hygiene carts truly changed the game for Charter’s girls and women and PHP is only going up from here,” she proudly exclaims.
How much do you know about menstrual health?
There was an error. Please try again.
5 Total Questions
