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A few weeks ago, while stopped at a light, a woman knocked on my window. She asked for some money to eat, and my passenger handed it over. We were satisfied with the situation, until we faced something out of the usual. She, almost whispering, asked for pads or tampons. I felt flushed. Searching around the car, we didn’t have those items quickly at hand. The light turned green and she was moving along out of the street. Yet, I was stuck.
Almost every woman menstruates, including homeless women. Enduring menstruation is no easy feat for anyone; there is acquiring the needed materials to stay clean, and sometimes, finding the best way to mitigate pain. For homeless women period management is even more difficult to face. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to walk around with soiled clothing, but difficult to clean if the clothing worn is the only clothing one possess. Finding public spaces where one can safely wash for free can be nearly impossible. In turn, many go long periods of time without changing pads or tampons, that can breed health issues.
Many women who are homeless must decide between meals or sanitary items during their time of the month. Dealing with a period could mean deciding if socks, napkins, rags, shirts or cotton balls will prevent the monthly flow from going public. Although some shelters do provide sanitary materials, it’s never quite enough. Typically, women change their pads or tampons once every three to four hours. Without adequate supplies, women wear items for much longer, leading them be at risk of toxic shock syndrome and other health related issues. Not cleaning the genitals, especially during menstruation, can lead to urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Overall, more than a comfort concern, the health issues women face places them in positions to make difficult decisions.
No one should have to sacrifice their dignity. By making a small donation, you will assist women who are homeless in the D.C area to tackle the obstacles faced when on their periods and help them to remain healthy. The funds collected during this drive will be used to purchase much needed items such as pads, tampons, liners, and wipes and then donated to Thrive DC . This Women’s History Month consider supporting to make a woman feel flawless.
Almost every woman menstruates, including homeless women. Enduring menstruation is no easy feat for anyone; there is acquiring the needed materials to stay clean, and sometimes, finding the best way to mitigate pain. For homeless women period management is even more difficult to face. It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to walk around with soiled clothing, but difficult to clean if the clothing worn is the only clothing one possess. Finding public spaces where one can safely wash for free can be nearly impossible. In turn, many go long periods of time without changing pads or tampons, that can breed health issues.
Many women who are homeless must decide between meals or sanitary items during their time of the month. Dealing with a period could mean deciding if socks, napkins, rags, shirts or cotton balls will prevent the monthly flow from going public. Although some shelters do provide sanitary materials, it’s never quite enough. Typically, women change their pads or tampons once every three to four hours. Without adequate supplies, women wear items for much longer, leading them be at risk of toxic shock syndrome and other health related issues. Not cleaning the genitals, especially during menstruation, can lead to urinary tract infections and yeast infections. Overall, more than a comfort concern, the health issues women face places them in positions to make difficult decisions.
No one should have to sacrifice their dignity. By making a small donation, you will assist women who are homeless in the D.C area to tackle the obstacles faced when on their periods and help them to remain healthy. The funds collected during this drive will be used to purchase much needed items such as pads, tampons, liners, and wipes and then donated to Thrive DC . This Women’s History Month consider supporting to make a woman feel flawless.