PROJECT PERIOD – Preventing Period Poverty

Every month, 1.8 billion people across the world menstruate, yet over 500 million of them lack access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities. Many are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified, healthy way. Countless adolescent girls face stigma, harassment, and social exclusion during menstruation, deprived of access to the sanitary materials they need.

Gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty, and lack of basic sanitary products all, cause menstrual health and hygiene needs to go unmet. This has far-reaching consequences for millions of people. It restricts their mobility and personal choices. It affects attendance in school and participation in community life. And it compromises their safety, causing additional stress and anxiety. Period poverty like other forms of poverty can be debilitating and has emotional, physical, and mental health effects on individuals

While visiting India I saw the poverty and state of young girls and women that I would have never imagined having lived in the United States. Many of these low-income women cannot afford menstrual products and need to choose between menstrual products and food. They are in urgent need of the sanitary care that they so desperately deserve. The risks and impacts these girls face are devastating.

This led to my journey to help the underprivileged population with their menstrual health and hygiene needs. Not only would this initiative fulfill the unmet demand for menstrual hygiene products; but it would also protect the dignity, build confidence, and strengthen sexual and reproductive health, particularly among adolescents.

Last year I helped 100 plus underprivileged women in my local community in the East Bay, California with the creation and distribution of period care packs, leading to a President's Volunteer Service Award. This year I plan to take my efforts international making an impact many folds over by partnering with a Non-Profit, Feel-Good-Foundation in India aiming to help 1500 disadvantaged women with their menstrual supplies need. All the money raised through this campaign will go directly towards the procurement and distribution of menstrual hygiene products for the population that cannot afford them.

With your support and the partnership of the Non-profit Feel-Good-Foundation for distribution, I know we can make an impact! Please join me in this effort to bring hygiene, and health to these underprivileged girls from India.

Thank you so much for your love, care, and support in this journey.

Love,

Ayana.