Menstrual Equity and Accessibility of Period Products
By Shahzmeen HussainMenstrual Equity and Accessibility of Period Products
By Shahzmeen HussainThe stigma around menstruation and inaccessibility of affordable period products is keeping millions of young girls around the globe from getting an education. Women in developing countries like India and Kenya stay home from school 3-5 days every month as menstruating is considered a shame. India recently celebrated the removal of 12% tax on period products, making all female hygiene products tax-free. In the U.S., young girls and women living under the poverty line are also faced with similar issues, as 36 states still tax period products as non-essential.
Menstrual health organizations and female activists have been advocating for menstrual equity, and Former First Lady, Michelle Obama and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle have also campaigned for the cause. Kiran Gandhi, M.I.A drummer and the iconic free-bleeding menstrual runner at the 2015 London Marathon, will be joining us to discuss how her music celebrates the female body. Molly Hayward, co-founder of Cora, will also join us to discuss how reproductive health education can open doors to gender equality and accessibility of affordable, high-quality period products in the U.S. and around the world.