Podcasts about menstrual equity

In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with writer, activist, and feminist Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, a leading voice in the fight for menstrual equity. Dubbed the “architect of the U.S. policy campaign to squash the tampon tax,” Jennifer is the author of Periods Gone Public and serves as VP at the Brennan Center for Justice. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Cosmopolitan, MSNBC, and more. Together, they dive into how a local donation drive sparked Jennifer's national policy work, the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation, and the rise of the menstrual equity movement since 2015. They also unpack the critical need for accurate menopause education, public policy reform, and the long-lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative's flawed messaging on hormone therapy. This conversation challenges outdated taboos and explores how both menstruation and menopause can serve as powerful starting points for advocating for women's health across every life stage.   ••• Connect with Jennifer Weiss-Wolf: Website: https://jenniferweisswolf.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferweisswolf/ ••• Make sure to follow Dr. Vonda Wright: Instagram: @drvondawright Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vondawright Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374 Website: http://www.DrVondaWright.com ••• If you enjoyed this episode, Subscribe to “HOT For Your Health” for more inspiring episodes. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-for-your-health/id1055206993 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Q2Al27D79jCLAyzp4hKBv?si=b62b374994884eed We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your comments or join the discussion on social media using #HotForYourHealthPodcast.

Life Dynamics-Mark Crutcher: Episode 156 The Quest For ‘Menstrual Equity' & Other Outrageous News by Priests for Life

The provincial government is partnering with Shoppers Drug Mart to provide free period products to schools, shelters, and other organizations. Menstrual equity advocate Leisha Toory joined us with her thoughts.

Episode SummaryDays for Girls is an organization empowering communities worldwide through menstrual health education and resources. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome the founder of Days for Girls, Celeste Mergens, along with her husband, Don. This episode dives deeper than just menstrual equity and the work of DfG. We discuss Celeste's memoir, The Power of Days, which chronicles her inspiring journey—from growing up in poverty and overcoming abuse to leading a global movement. They also open up about Celeste's rare hereditary movement disorder that affects her and four of her grandchildren.About Celeste MergensCeleste Mergens is an author, thought leader, and changemaker and has been featured in Oprah's O Magazine, Forbes, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. She is the Founder of Days for Girls, a global award-winning organization championing Women's Health and Menstrual Health Equity. Days for Girls was named by the Huffington Post as a ‘Next Ten' Organization poised to change the world in the next decade and has reached more than 3 million women and girls in 145 countries.Typically averaging dozens of speaking events a year, Celeste is a sought-after professional speaker and consultant. She was awarded the AARP Purpose Prize, Conscious Company Global Impact Entrepreneur Top Ten Women, 2019 Global Washington Global Hero, and Women's Economic Forum's Woman of the Decade.CelesteMergens.comCeleste's Book The Power of DaysFrom This Episodehttps://www.daysforgirls.org/The DfG Pad and KitNYC Chapter of Days For Girls - Sign up for Monthly Volunteer SessionsNYC Chapter of Days For Girls InstagramDonate to the NYC Chapter of Days For GirlsGet Involved with Days for GirlsThe Shame That Keeps Millions of Girls Out of School - NYT article by Nicholas KristofAbout familial paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesiahttps://www.risegatherings.com Find and Follow Carole and Wisdom Shared:https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/Subscribe to YouTube channelFollow and send a message on FacebookFollow and send a message on LinkedInFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on ThreadsThe Wisdom Shared TeamAudio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting WorksCo-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla NelsonProduction Assistant: Becki Leigh

In this episode, I'm talking with Grace Wanene, the Founder of Drawing Dreams Initiative, a Youth-led grassroots conservation organization focusing on menstrual health & hygiene education, teenage Mamas empowerment, and youth development. We talk through her upbringing and how her love for children and people grew from a young age, her Miss. Tourism pageant days, and how that shaped her path in modelling and breaking the ceiling to form the Drawing Dreams Initiative. We also dive into some of the programs she helps to run, their impact, sustainability, and scalability across Kenya plus so much more. EnjoyEnjoy

Erin is the VP of Business Development at August, where she manages their retail, e-commerce, and B2B sales channels. Prior to August she consulted with Deloitte at companies such as Twitter, Fitbit, and Silicon Valley Bank. Later joining Uber, Erin worked in growth and operational roles for four years, helping UberEats expand from 10 to over 600 cities. She made the jump to August in April of 2022 when she was inspired by August's mission. In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:46] Intro[01:22] Finding and growing your audience before launching[03:40] Balancing edutainment and medical accuracy online[04:59] Using audience feedback as product validation[06:01] Championing sustainability with product quality[07:11] Acting on feedback to improve product design[08:07] Launching D2C with organic online momentum[09:26] Tapping into trends for impactful product drops[10:17] Defining relationships with customers and fans[11:14] Building trust through 10,000 baby steps online[12:45] Episode sponsors[15:57] Balancing profit and impact in brand decisions[17:28] Addressing tampon tax through collective effort[18:41] Communicating carefully and honestly[19:52] Staying transparent to avoid fear mongering[21:51] August: Fight period stigma with sustainable products Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePeriod care brand on a mission to fight period stigma itsaugust.co/Follow Erin Burk linkedin.com/in/erineburk/Book a demo today at intelligems.io/Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

DB and director Lina Lyte Plioplyte dive into her taboo-tackling doc, “Periodical.” They also chat all things period sex, and share practical tips for spreading menstrual equity in your community! Lina Lyte Plioplyte is an Emmy, Clio and Silver Lion winning Lithuanian-born filmmaker, currently in California and Mexico. Her work has appeared on MTV, PBS, Venice Biennale, and at film festivals like SxSW and IDFA. Her feature length films include "Advanced Style" on Amazon and "Periodical", now streaming on Peacock and Amazon Prime. An Emmy-recognized cinematographer, Lina is dedicated to inclusivity, supporting women and minorities in filmmaking, and runs quarterly Filmmakers' Accelerator, guiding filmmakers to success in this dynamic documentary landscape. www.lytefilms.com and @lina_lyte Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Tampon Safety and Regulations Period Tracker App Privacy Report ——   Do you have a silly sex story to share, need some advice, or have thoughts on the episode you just heard? Send us a voicemail for a chance to be featured on the podcast!  —— Follow Sex Ed with DB on: Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast TikTok: @sexedwithdbTwitter : @sexedwithdbThreads: @sexedwithdbpodcast YouTube: Sex Ed with DB Rep your favorite sex ed podcast with our brand new merch! Sign up for our newsletter with BTS content and exclusive giveaways here. Are you a sexual health professional? Check out DB's workshop: Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand. Want to get in touch with Sex Ed with DB? Email us at sexedwithdb@gmail.com. —— Sex Ed with DB, Season 10 is Sponsored by: Lion's Den, Uberlube, and Magic Wand. Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! —— About Sex Ed with DB: Sex Ed with DB is a feminist podcast bringing you all the sex ed you never got through unique and entertaining storytelling, centering LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experts. We discuss topics such as birth control, pleasure, LGBTQ+ health and rights, abortion, consent, BDSM, sex and disability, HIV, sex in the media, and more. —— Sex Ed with DB, Season 10 Team: Creator, Host, Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) Producer: Sadie Lidji Communications Lead: Cathren Cohen Marketing Coordinator: Mitch Coburn Social Media Coordinator: Emm-Kirsty Fraser

Joeita speaks to Danielle Kaftarian, Executive Director of the Period Purse, about menstrual equity and what needs to change to ensure that all people who menstruate have access to period products. HighlightsPeriod Poverty & Menstrual Equity - Opening Remarks (00:00)Introducing Danielle Kaftarian, Executive Director of the Period Purse (01:22)Importance of Discussing Menstrual Equity & Period Poverty (01:40)Stigma & Lack of Political Will (02:08)Why Don't People Want to Talk About Periods? (03:28)Issues Surrounding Access & Alternatives (05:31)The Healthcare System & Menstrual Equity Fund (06:58)Offsetting the Increasing Cost-Burden of Menstrual Products (11:15)Challenges for People with Disabilities Who Might be Menstruating (13:00)Period Poverty Around the Globe (14:40)Menstrual Cups & Environmental Impacts (15:54)Employers & Menstrual Leave (18:01)Improving Comfort Levels Surrounding Menstruation (19:57)How & When to Talk About Periods Within the Family (21:17)About the Period Purse Charity (23:24)The Period Pack (24:27)Collaborating with Organizations (25:56)Donations & Sourcing Period Products (26:20)Period Purse Outside the Toronto-Area (27:18)Find the Period Purse Online (28:26)Show Close (28:45)Guest Bio - Danielle Kaftarian (she/her) - Executive Director, the Period PurseDanielle is TPP's Executive Director with ample experience! She studied Accounting and Business Administration and worked in the finance industry for over 10 years, along with other jobs. After having two children, she felt a strong desire to contribute to the community and support others. It was not until TPP was founded, that she discovered her true passion. From early TPP days, Danielle was involved in various roles, supporting its mission to achieve menstrual equity for everyone in Canada. She's proud to serve as the Executive Director with an incredible team, working tirelessly towards period equity.About the Period Purse - theperiodpurse.comThe Period Purse creates menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period products for all, and by ending the stigma associated with periods through education and advocacy. About The PulseOn The Pulse, host Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada.Joeita Gupta has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights. Find Joeita on X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeitaGupta The Pulse airs weekly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit https://www.ami.ca/ThePulse/ About AMIAMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI's vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through inclusion, representation, accessible media, reflection, representation and portrayal. Learn more at AMI.caConnect on Twitter @AccessibleMediaOn Instagram @accessiblemediaincOn Facebook at @AccessibleMediaIncOn TikTok @accessiblemediaincEmail feedback@ami.ca

Asha interviews Elise and Quinn Joy, co-executive directors of Girls Helping Girls Period and Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, Vice President at NYU Law's Brennan Center for Justice and executive director of the Birnbaum Women's Leadership Network and author of the book Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity. They discuss menstrual equity and the importance of access to menstrual hygiene products in school, at work, and wherever there are people with periods. This is episode 16 of our Growing Up Powerful miniseries! These are stories about dealing with big feelings, growing up, and connecting to the world around you. And just so you know, some of these themes may be mature for our younger Rebels. We encourage listening with your grown up. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book Rebel Girls: Growing Up Powerful. This series was produced by Joy Smith, Deborah Goldstein, and Haley Dapkus, with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. It was written and edited by Abby Sher. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan and sensitivity read by Schuyler Swenson. Narration by Margaret Ying Drake as Asha and Imani Parks as Jestine. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Our executive producers were Joy Smith and Jes Wolfe. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!

On today's show, real conversation about period products. Also, the breadth of Gothic. Plus, SONA defies expectations.

Celeste Mergens is a bestselling author, speaker, and thought leader, and helps people recognize their strengths and be the change they want to be in the world. She is the founder of Days for Girls, a global award-winning organization championing Women's Health and Menstrual Equity. Days for Girls believes in a world where periods are never a problem and has reached more than 3 million women and girls in 145 countries, shattering stigma, shame, and taboos and turning periods into pathways of healing, new growth, and opportunity. Celeste is a sought-after speaker. She has been featured in Oprah's O Magazine, Forbes, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. She was awarded the AARP Purpose Prize, Conscious Company Global Impact Entrepreneur Top Ten Women, 2019 Global Washington Global Hero, and Women's Economic Forum's Woman of the Decade. She is happily married to her best friend of 40 years, Don Mergens. They live in the Pacific Northwest. ---- SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestemergens Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.mergens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-mergens Websites: DaysforGirls.org: https://www.daysforgirls.org/ CelesteMergens.com: https://www.celestemergens.com/ #ThePowerofDays #ThePowerofDaysBook @CelesteMergens @DaysforGirls  

On today's episode, Tamara Abney's talks about the importance of menstrual equity awareness and how her non-profit fights to combat this issue. She also speaks about how she hopes to spread more awareness as she competes for the title of Mrs. Pennsylvania International. She is definitely a woman who is Mommin', Wife'n, and Queenin'. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alesha-shaw/support

Call for contributors: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f9OCjswy162JWh1lRlsC6srg3ak9zVkX/view _______________________________________ Some of my papers on the effects of the menstrual cycle: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014829631730437X https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1057740811001021 https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=fUTY8DPKYOQC&oi=fnd&pg=PA116&dq=info:G2tlbVu_arkJ:scholar.google.com&ots=JanackW4CH&sig=9CuC7EhvFBzX6GaVc9SSsreqRHM&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false [Final title here is slightly different from the one that I read from my CV, which needs to be updated!] My paper on the link between conspicuous consumption and men's testosterone levels: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749597809000442 _______________________________________ My book The Saad Truth about Happiness: 8 Secrets for Leading the Good Life is now available for order: https://www.amazon.com/Saad-Truth-about-Happiness-Secrets/dp/1684512603 _______________________________________ If you appreciate my work and would like to support it: https://subscribestar.com/the-saad-truth https://patreon.com/GadSaad https://paypal.me/GadSaad To subscribe to my exclusive content on Twitter, please visit my bio at https://twitter.com/GadSaad _______________________________________ This clip was posted earlier today (January 15, 2024) on my YouTube channel as THE SAAD TRUTH_1648: https://youtu.be/wr5hc1hmKcw _______________________________________ Please visit my website gadsaad.com, and sign up for alerts. If you appreciate my content, click on the "Support My Work" button. I count on my fans to support my efforts. You can donate via Patreon, PayPal, and/or SubscribeStar. _______________________________________ Dr. Gad Saad is a professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, and author who pioneered the use of evolutionary psychology in marketing and consumer behavior. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Saad is a leading public intellectual who often writes and speaks about idea pathogens that are destroying logic, science, reason, and common sense.  _______________________________________

Do you hate the terms “feminine hygiene products” and “sanitary napkins”? If so, we have “good” news for you. In this episode, we discuss New York's quest for "menstrual equity” (whatever that means) and other very real outrageous news.  Topics Discussed:New York's Mission Toward "Menstrual Equity”University Hosts Sketchy Training on Abortion PillsDOJ Wants To Know Everyone Who ‘Liked, Followed or Retweeted' Trump?!The SECRET Phone Surveillance Program That's Spying On Millions of Americans Links Mentioned:N.Y. will stop using terms like ‘feminine hygiene' and ‘sanitary napkin', says Gov. Hochul - silive.comAbortion Distortion Video Series‘Keep Your Mouth Shut!' University Hosts Training on How to Access Back-Alley Abortions - Operation RescueMedical Study: Analysis of Complications and Management After Self-Administration of Medical Termination of Pregnancy PillsRisks of and Indications for Mifepristone for Medication Abortion - American Family PhysiciansPro-Life America Podcast Episode 87: Plan B Vending Machines & Other CrazinessDOJ Ordered Sweep of Trump's Twitter Data for Everyone Who ‘Liked, Followed or Retweeted' Trump - Trending PoliticoSpecial Counsel Obtained 32 Private Messages From Trump's Twitter Account - NY TimesSecretive White House Surveillance Program Gives Cops Access to Trillions of US Phone Records - Wired MagazineA secret phone surveillance program is spying on millions of Americans - Fox NewsRate & Review Our Podcast Have a topic you want to see discussed on the show? [Submit it here.]To learn more about what Life Dynamics does, visit: https://lifedynamics.com/about-us/Support Our Work    

Today, we are thrilled to have award-winning Documentary Filmmaker Lina Lyte Plioplyte join us for a crucial conversation about her newly released film Periodical. During our conversation, we discuss menstruation, menopause, and the experiences that people who have a uterus face. Tune in to contribute to breaking taboos and fostering greater awareness about menstruation today.Why did Lina make the documentary film “Periodical”An essential educational tool to promote period equityThe film's impact on talking about important movements related to periodsHow conversations about menstruation and menopause have become more accepted in today's societyWhat surprised Lina the most while making the film?The importance of listening to your own bodyResources mentioned in this episodePeriodicalEP13: The Tampon Tax, Period Poverty, and Menstrual Equity with Laura StrausfeldMSNBCPeacockClue AppEP59: Bridging The Gap Between Womxn's Health, Law, and Technology with Bethany CorbinAbout Lina Lyte PlioplyteLina Lyte Plioplyte is a documentary filmmaker and a camera person hailing from Lithuania. Her work has been awarded an Emmy, Clio, and a Silver Lion and has been shown on MTV, PBS, Venice Biennale, Hot Docs, and IDFA. Lina's feature-length directorial debut was ADVANCED STYLE (2014), currently streaming on Amazon after a successful run on Netflix. The recent feature documentary PERIODICAL, a story about the menstrual cycle, continues the theme of championing women and is premiering at SXSW. Lina's cinematography, acknowledged with an Emmy, champions the natural light and intimacy with those she films.Connect with LinaWebsite: LYTE FILMS Instagram: @lina_lyteLinkedIn: Lina Lyte PlioplyteSupport the show!Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

“I started Share the Dignity because somebody bloody had to do it. And it was just something that should never have been around.”   In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to the wonderful Rochelle Courtenay, the Founder & Managing Director of Share The Dignity, on leading volunteer armies, witnessing female trauma inside prison, and eradicating period poverty.

"We just want people who menstruate to be able to do so safely and with dignity, and we don't think that's so big of an ask." In this episode, Dr. Allison Casola, Dr. Kierstin Luber, and Dr. Amy Henderson Riley discuss period poverty from an epidemiologic approach by considering three components: person, place, and time. They also identify policy opportunities, vulnerable populations, and the siloing of menstrual equity and reproductive education. The first step is increasing awareness, which is made easier by their glossary and other publications. This episode references the article titled "Period Poverty: an Epidemiologic and Biopsychosocial Analysis" by Allison R. Casola, PhD, MPH, MCHES, Kierstin Luber, DO, MPH, and Amy Henderson Riley, DrPH, MCHES. As mentioned in the episode, you can check out "No More Secrets" on Instagram at @nomoresecretsmbs, as well as Dr. Riley's book "Health Communication Fundamentals" at Springer Publishing or Amazon.

If you ever wanted to learn more about the importance of Menstrual Health Education & WHY it matters now more than ever, this is the episode for you. Catch this powerful conversation with an amazing Menstrual Health Advocate - Celeste Mergens - and learn: 1. The impact of poor menstrual health education all over the world 2. Why this impacts us in perimenopause 3. How we can be apart of the change  4. How to improve your gratitude lense   Celeste Mergens is an author, speaker, and thought leader, and helps people recognize their strengths and be the change they want to be in the world. She is the founder of Days for Girls, a global award-winning organization championing Women's Health and Menstrual Equity. Days for Girls believes in a world where periods are never a problem and has reached more than 3 million women and girls in 145 countries, shattering stigma, shame, and taboos and turning periods into pathways of healing, new growth, and opportunity. Celeste is a sought-after speaker. She has been featured in Oprah's O Magazine, Forbes, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. She was awarded the AARP Purpose Prize, Conscious Company Global Impact Entrepreneur Top Ten Women, 2019 Global Washington Global Hero, and Women's Economic Forum's Woman of the Decade. She is happily married to her best friend of 40 years, Don Mergens. They live in the Pacific Northwest. Her new book, The Power of Days–A Story of Resilience, Dignity, and The Fight for Women's Equity comes out this October.    Learn more from Celeste here: GET HER BOOK: https://celestemergens.com/book  WEBSITE: https://celestemergens.com/ DAYS FOR GIRLS: https://www.daysforgirls.org/  INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/celestemergens  FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.mergens      ************************************************************************* Start supporting your hormones NOW:    TAKE THE QUIZ: Is Your Weight Gain bc Of Perimenopause???    Heal your hormones in 10 simple steps with this FREE 10 Laws of Happy Hormones Guide.     Steal my Hormone Happy Weekly Meal Plan and Grocery List    The thought of weight release can be super daunting…where do you start? Will anything work bc of your age and hormones? Why is there so many conflicting protocols and advice out there?   I have been there more times than I can count in my life and let me tell you sister, I am not going to leave you there in overwhelm any more. Take my hand and let me walk you through the 3 phase process I do every time I want to create change in my body, particularly during perimenopause when the shifting of hormones make traditional methods of weight loss complete bunk.   So if you are ready to stop floundering and being lost, and you know you want changes in your body, grab something to take notes with and let's dive into this episode.   Rate, Review and Follow on Apple Podcasts   “I had no idea and am learning so much from Bria on The Period Whisperer Podcast.”

https://swiy.co/WhatAreYourThoughtsImagine a world where menstruation is not a taboo topic, but rather a catalyst for empowerment, education, and change. In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, join host Dr. Lia Gaggino as she interviews Celest Mergen, a passionate advocate for menstrual equity and the founder of Days for Girls. Prepare to have your preconceptions shattered as Celeste reveals the transformative power of simply listening and inviting others to be part of the solution. From engaging communities worldwide to reinterpreting past traumas, every moment is an opportunity for change. Days for Girls is not just a movement for girls, but for everyone willing to stand up and make a difference. By providing sustainable menstrual care solutions and education, they are changing lives, breaking down barriers, and empowering individuals all around the world. Celeste's talks about her experience in Kenya, where conversation and understanding led to the laying down of knives and the preservation of rich traditions without harm. As we think about applying her methods to other world problems, the positive outcomes are endless. Together, let's listen, learn, and create a world where every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to make a difference. [00:33 -22:42] Days For Girls: Breaking Menstrual TaboosIntroduction to Days For Girls: Days For Girls provides menstrual care products and education, giving women and girls access to menstrual equity, dignity, and opportunity.Global Impact: It addresses the pervasive issue of menstruation taboos, affecting over 500 million people worldwide, by providing essential products and starting conversations.The Power of Conversations: By breaking the silence around menstruation, Days For Girls helps eliminate stigma and empowers women and girls to manage their periods with confidence.Design Evolution: Days For Girls continuously improves its washable pads, involving those they serve in the design process, holding two patents, and expanding their impact globally.[22:43 - 37:11] Changing Culture Recognize the need for change: Understand that cultural practices may be deeply rooted and ingrained in a community.Avoid making people wrong: People resist change when they feel criticized or judged, so refrain from telling them they are wrong.Invite participation: Encourage people to be part of the solution rather than imposing change on them.Find common ground: Identify shared values or aspects of the culture that everyone can agree on[37:12 - 46:22] Impact on Girls' LivesEmpowerment through writing articles and letters to magazines about body image representation.Positive influence of American Girl magazine's focus on stories rather than body image.The transformative effect of providing hygiene kits to girls in need.Stories of girls experiencing newfound confidence and freedom with hygiene products.[46:23 - 54:12] Availability of Menstrual Products The Isle organization offers washable menstrual productsCups and washable products are widely available onlineWashable products can be found at various storesVarious options for washable menstrual products online[54:13 - 57:49] Closing segment TakeawayYou can reach Dr.Celeste Mergen Insta:...

Celeste Mergens is an author, speaker, and thought leader, and helps people be the change they want to be in the world. She is the founder of Days for Girls, a global award-winning organization championing Women's Health and Menstrual Equity. Days for Girls believes in a world where periods are never a problem and has reached more than 3 million women and girls in 145 countries, shattering stigma, shame, and taboos and turning periods into pathways of healing, new growth, and opportunity. Celeste has been featured in Oprah's O Magazine, Forbes, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. She was also awarded the AARP Purpose Prize, Conscious Company Global Impact Entrepreneur Top Ten Women, 2019 Global Washington Global Hero, and Women's Economic Forum's Woman of the Decade. Her new book entitled The Power of Days–A Story of Resilience, Dignity, and the Fight for Women's Equity, is available where all books are sold. To learn more about Celeste Mergens and Days for Girls, visit https://www.daysforgirls.org Explore lots of additional free resources to help you Manifest the Greatness That You Already Possess Deep Inside at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://manifestyourgreatness.com/⁠⁠ To book your free consultation with a certified professional coach, visit ⁠⁠https://manifestyourgreatness.com/contact⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curtis-j-washington/support

Discover the inspiring story of Celeste Mergens, a renowned thought leader and changemaker featured in prestigious publications such as Oprah's O Magazine and Forbes. Her organization, Days for Girls, has reached over 3 million women and girls in 145 countries, championing Women's Health and Menstrual Health Equity.Now, in her powerful new book, "The Power of Days: A Story of Resilience, Dignity, and the Fight for Women's Equity," Celeste shares a compelling journey that will leave you a "prisoner of hope."From a young age, Celeste witnessed a small gesture that sparked a profound realization: our circumstances do not define us. We can truly understand and connect with others by embracing vulnerability and offering more than just sympathy.Celeste's insights on purpose are profound. She reveals that our current circumstances significantly shape our purpose, even if it may not seem obvious. Embracing the seasons of life is crucial, as each season offers valuable lessons and progress toward our purpose. Engaging in activities aligned with our purpose makes them effortless and fulfilling, like being lifted by a sail.Finally, Celeste reminds us that small acts of kindness can profoundly impact someone's life. She shares how a teacher's belief in her potential and continuous support made a tremendous difference. Let's empower and uplift one another, as we never know when we'll be the catalyst for someone's success.Don't miss out on the transformative insights and powerful message of "The Power of Days." Join Celeste Mergens on an extraordinary journey to resilience, dignity, and the fight for women's equity.All things Celeste, here! http://CelesteMergens.comhttps://celestemergens.com/book Take Action Now!Learn more about The Kindling Project at our website: ...and join our Facebook group for women looking for that extra kindling to start their next big fire!Keep your passion ignited! Stoke the flames-subscribe to our YouTube for full uncut video versions of each episode & more!Contact us via email for further inquiries or discussions.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Reena Anthonyraj, a public health professional coming from a background in dentistry. They discuss Reena's transition from dentistry to public health, how to tell if an MPH is right for you, and how you can work to better public health without necessarily having a dedicated degree.You'll LearnHow Reena found her way into public health from her time working as a dentist at a public hospital in MumbaiQuestions to ask yourself to determine why you want to work in public healthFactors to consider when choosing which program or school to complete your degree inA brief overview of the Cooperative MPH program between Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Indian Institute of Health Management and ResearchWays you can work in public health without having a dedicated degreeWhy keeping an open mind is just as useful as knowing which specific area in public health you want to work inToday's GuestReena Anthonyraj is a dedicated public health professional with a Master's in Public Health and a background in Dentistry. With a span of 6 years, she has gained significant international experience in community engagement, applied research, and the development as well as management of evidence-informed programs. Her passion lies in addressing health inequities and social determinants by fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders, to uplift marginalized communities and enhance their access to care, ultimately improving overall health outcomes. She was awarded the prestigious Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship in 2017 for a research fellowship at the University of Montreal, to develop an evidence-informed framework for tobacco prevention in Indian urban schools, based on Canadian best practices in school health promotion. Since then, her experience encompasses various projects with community-based organizations, international donors, and healthcare providers in the Global South, spanning multiple thematic areas including Sexual and Reproductive Health, Menstrual Equity, HIV, Adolescent Health, and Primary Healthcare. Majority of her work has revolved around qualitative research, project design, strategic planning, knowledge synthesis, program management, and utilizing evidence to drive impactful and sustainable programs. Reena's multifaceted experience, coupled with her unwavering commitment, exemplifies a public health professional who continuously strives to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in underserved communities.ResourcesFollow Reena on LinkedInSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

A coalition of businesses, activist groups, lawmakers and others around Massachusetts are teaming up to support a bill on Beacon Hill called "I AM", which hopes to expand free access to menstrual products in public places around the Commonwealth, including schools and prisons. Mass NOW is one of the advocacy groups that's part of the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition, and Executive Director Sasha Goodfriend joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about what the bill entails. She also dives into the prevalence of "period poverty" here in Massachusetts and the impact it can have on someone's life.

Dive into this thought-provoking and insightful interview with Alisha Gaddis as she breaks down barriers, challenges norms, and celebrates the power of knowledge and understanding regarding menstrual health.1. The taboo around menstruation and how Alisha's book can help destigmatize this idea2. Period myths that need to be debunked3. Issues when it comes to inequitable access to menstrual products 4. Actionable steps to normalize talks about periods5. Reasons to organize period groups and empower women through Alisha's book Resources mentioned in this episode Periods, Period. by Alisha Gaddis and Steph Garcia | Kindle and Hardcover  EP13: The Tampon Tax, Period Poverty, and Menstrual Equity with Laura Strausfeld That's My Story, Period. | Apple and Spotify  Periods, Period. by Alisha Gaddis and  Steph Garcia | Target and Barnes & NobleAbout Alisha GaddisAlisha is an Emmy Award-winning actress, multi-Grammy Award winner, humorist, and filmmaker still bubbling with Midwestern hospitality while living in Los Angeles. As an executive producer and co-creator of a hit PBS show, she garnered multiple Emmy nominations and one win. She works with major networks, such as CBS, Freeform, NBC Universal, and Netflix, to develop content on multi-platforms, often starring in them. She and her writing partner, Meg Swertlow, turned their extensive stand-up and improv backgrounds into a delightful wedding romcom currently in development with Four Leaf Productions. Alisha is a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient. She is a best-selling author, publishing multiple books to critical acclaim covering topics from acting to weaning, menstruation to parenting. She has appeared on Broadway, at the Sydney Opera House, on numerous television shows, films, and voices many national commercials. With her band, the Family Jam Band, and husband, Lucky Diaz, Alisha has received numerous Grammy wins while touring internationally, performing shows for families. She's on multiple billboards in Asia and will gladly tell you the tales of why.  She has a deep passion for using her art for activism, social justice, and equality. Alisha adores Broadway, brie and badasses.Connect with Alisha  Instagram: @alishagaddishere Facebook: Alisha Gaddis TikTok: @imalishagaddisSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.comFollow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseFollow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

On today's show, the Fayetteville Public Library is set to host Period Poverty & Menstrual Equity - A Short Film & Roundtable Discussion. Also, university teams compete for venture capital in the University of Arkansas Office Entrepreneurship and Innovation's 2023 Heartland Challenge. Plus, a possible special session of the Arkansas Legislature to address Medicaid and more.

All new show this Sunday with host Anna and her Clark undergraduate students in the What is Public Health? course. Students discuss the issue of menstrual inequity at Clark University in Worcester, MA. From the students: "We chose to discuss menstrual equity because of its lack of visibility and the taboo around menstruation. We certainly learnt a lot from our discussion, and we hope you do too!"

Madeleine Shaw (she/her) is a feminist entrepreneur and writer based on unceded Coast Salish territory (Vancouver, BC). She is best known as the co-founder of Aisle (formerly Lunapads), one of the first groundbreaking ventures in the world to commercialize reusable menstrual products. In her first book, The Greater Good: Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World, she offers encouraging tips and reflections for aspiring impact-based entrepreneurs. She is passionate about creatively deploying the tools of business in service of social change, drawing inspiration from natural growth patterns as ways to build regenerative organizations, and neo-sobriety culture and discourse. Madeleine is incredibly creative, compassionate, and curious. She truly embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner. You will be inspired by Madeleine and her commitment to social entrepreneurship and her initiatives to support everyday people who want to change the world.    Listen in as we talk about: What is sustainable menstrual equity? Madeleine breaks down what this is exactly, and why it's so important when it comes to social change. Why does this conversation matter right now? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need menstrual products and don't have access to them? Madeleine shares how triggering this can be and why we need to address it. Why Madeleine wrote her book. We get a behind-the-scenes look at why Madeleine wrote her book, and the impact it's making globally.    Connect with Madeleine: Websites:https://periodaisle.cahttps://madeleineshaw.ca/ LinkedIn: Madeleine Shaw  Instagram: @greatergoodbook  @periodaisle Medium: https://medium.com/@madeleineshawgreatergood   Shared by Madeleine: Satya Organic: https://satya.ca Book: Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by Adrienne Maree Brown    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE MENSTRUAL EQUITY Menstrual equity is a concept coined by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf in 2015 that advocates for the fair and equitable distribution of menstrual products, education, and information to those who need them. As we know, the menstrual cycle is a fundamental part of human reproduction, yet it is often stigmatized and shamed within our society. As Madeleine explains, menstrual equity aims to provide support and dignity for those who experience periods and require products, privacy, medication, education, and information.  It encompasses both material and mindset changes. Materially, it looks like free provision of menstrual products in public bathrooms. Mentally, it involves de-stigmatization and education. Sustainable menstrual equity considers the environment and long-term viability, aiming for a permanent, universal solution that is not disposable and doesn't contribute to landfill waste. Madeleine also shares that disposables like pads and tampons take up to 500 years to biodegrade and are made of up to 90% plastic – an unbelievable statistic.  Menstrual equity is a crucial concept that values and supports a core feature of human biology. By providing fair and equitable access to menstrual products, education, and information to all parties involved, we can help to destigmatize periods, support those who need it, and contribute to a more sustainable future. WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS RIGHT NOW To date, menstruation has yet to be normalized, despite efforts to improve the stigma. As Madeleine explains, legislation, such as that of the BC government, and countries like Scotland are beginning to declare menstrual products as necessary and should be made available for free to all citizens.  Also, universities in Canada have started providing reusable menstrual products for free to their students. As we discuss,

Donna Mazyck, executive director of the National Association of School Nurses, discusses menstrual equity with Michela Bedard, of Period.org and Kate King, middle school nurse and President-elect of the National Association of School Nurses

www.commsolutionsmn.com- Golden Valley continues to decimate it's police department. Reports say that they have somewhere between 9-17 officers out of a possible 31 officers to fill the force. The city says that there's no reason to worry. They hired Belcom to do investigative work, as they have no detectives. Golden Valley is relying on the Fire Department for medical calls. They are looking to steal officers away from surrounding cities. They are also looking at lowering the standards to become a Golden Valley officer, as they rely on help from the Sheriff's department. As if that's not bad enough, Chief Green had to apologize for making a social media post with a thin blue line on it to support the police on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The Blue Line is getting banned in cities across the United States and Canada. How is that appreciating law enforcement? When the woke crowd comes for an apology you cannot apologize to them. Once you do, they own you. That is the end of your career. They will have you on every other issue. Well, our legislature is in session, and they are sprinting through passing everything that they want. There are bills in process for absolute ridiculous things like "menstrual equity". Sorry, men don't get periods. That's just stupid. The PRO act passed allowing for abortion up to the moment of birth, abortion in the case of Downs Syndrome or gender selection, and partial birth abortions. The Senate passed the Crown Act, which supposedly prevents discrimination based on natural hair texture and style. They passed drivers' licenses for all (regardless of immigration status), which will complicate our elections. This is the reason why they are doing it. They have finally passed a law to make MN carbon neutral by 2040. Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode, Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We've launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy! Don't forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Header: In this episode, Erin Hart and Erica Soloman (Exec. Director at NCJW MN) discuss HF44, the Menstrual Equity Bill. NCJW Minnesota is pushing for the "menstrual equity bill" (HF 44 and SF 50) to fund menstrual products in public and charter schools. One in five students experiences "period poverty," and many miss class without access to menstrual products. NCJW Minnesota has distributed over 200,000 menstrual products since 2018 but seeks a systemic solution. The bill has bipartisan support but faced opposition and transphobic language. High school graduates, organizations, and Girl Scouts testified in support. NCJW Minnesota is also part of the Communities Combating Hate coalition working on legislation against hate crimes and bias incidents. You can read HF44 here and find NCJW MN here ### Visit the "Gender Justice" Website here and "Unrestrict Minnesota" here. Erin Hart, Communications Director at Gender Justice, hosting the Gender Justice Brief. The GJB is produced by Gunther Michael Jahnl & Audra Grigus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/genderjustice/message

In this multidirectional episode, Dr. Azumah shares how the fiery flames of a burning car taught her empathy and made her a better doctor. She also explains the impact of racism on how a person of colour experiences impostor syndrome and why empowering black and brown girls should be prioritized. In addition, she described the role of where one lives in a person's life outcomes.Nuggets of wisdom in this episodeIt's good to plan, but it's also good to be flexible in life We've experienced a lot of prejudice and racism, and empowering girls that look like us is a way of transferring the hurt, the painProphylactically empowering young black girls, young brown girls will help them be confident and increase their trajectory for successIt's hard for your brain to release creativity if you are scared that you're not supposed to be in that spaceThere's no race better than your raceThere's a correlation between confidence and performanceThere's a role for non black people to be allies because allies help create equityReferences in this episodeBria GadsdenYour body language may shape who you are Martin Luther King Jr's Letter from a Birmingham Jail where he talked about the guilt of the silent majorityTo learn more about Dr. Ebere Azumah's work and connect with her, visit Love Your Menses and Azumah Solutions.Please DM me on Instagram or Facebook @judithobatusa to let me know what you thought of this episode.If you'll love to share your story on the #MessyCantStopHer podcast, click here to let me know. Thank you so much for listening. Music Credit: https://indiefy.me/wanted-carter

In this conversation, Madeleine Shaw jolts our current reality and encourages us to question everything for the betterment of humanity. In this honest discussion, Madeleine awakens your feminine warrior and does so in the most welcoming, inclusive and generative way - from embracing your menstrual cycle, to thinking about the impact of the products you're using, to growing a business that aligns with the natural laws and makes a social difference.  What's in this episode for you: An example of a human who knows herself The most honest life journey I've ever heard The experience of menarche unpacked and repackaged in love Period poverty and menstrual equity and a call to action around period care  A candid look at the waste and cost associated with menstrual products and a new solution An inside look at Madeleine's book that defines entrepreneurship for our time Contribute to being the change by becoming a CoC Supporter - click here to sign up! Who's with us in circle: Meet Madeleine Shaw, a social entrepreneur and author based on unceded Coast Salish territory. She is the co-founder of Aisle (formerly Lunapads), one of the first groundbreaking ventures in the world to popularize reusable menstrual products. In her first book, The Greater Good: Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World, she offers a candid, personal look at the realities of change-making. Find Madeleine Shaw and her amazing work at these links: https://madeleineshaw.ca https://periodaisle.com/ https://nestworks.space/ Her book - The Greater Good - Social Entrepreneurship for Everyday People Who Want to Change the World For all the resources Madeleine shares, head to the website for this episode. Pick up the talking piece: What came up for you as you listened to this episode? I'd love to hear your experiences with any of the reflections and exercises. Send me an email at podcast@humconsulting.ca. Gratitude:  Circle of Change is recorded on lək̓ʷəŋən territories. Be the change by becoming a Circle of Change Supporter. Learn more at www.humconsulting.ca/donate Our opening and closing music was created by the talented E-Rol Beats. You can find his creations at www.erolbeats.com My fabulous podcast coach, Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions, brought this podcast to life www.organizedsound.ca

Gain the courage to speak up about menstrual equity in today's episode featuring Laura Strausfeld. Listen in as we tackle issues regarding inequitable state laws regarding women's health, their impact on women's lives, and how to solve them. If you want to be a part of ending the stigma against periods, you won't want to miss this episode.Key takeaways to listen forTampon Tax: What it is, who it affects the most, and how it impacts people who have periodsReasons you should examine the menstrual products you useWays to improve legislations that concern people who identify as womxnOther problems that might occur after the dissolution of the tampon taxThe significance of comprehensive sex education in schoolsWhy we should be more open about discussing menstruationResources mentioned in this episodeRobin Danielson ActAbout Laura StrausfeldLaura is the co-founder and executive director of Period Law. She runs Tax Free. Period, Period Law's law and advocacy campaign to dismantle the tampon tax in the US. In 2016, she orchestrated the class action lawsuit challenging New York's tampon tax as unconstitutional, resulting in immediate legislative repeal. In 2019, she hosted the first legal conference devoted to The Tampon Tax LAB (Legal Action Brainstorm at Columbia Law School, co-hosted by the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law, and has since recruited over 50 pro bono attorneys to research and challenge the tampon tax in court.Laura has written and spoken publicly about menstrual product safety. She has a wide-ranging project-based background, including as a plaintiffs' attorney, founding board member of the Nest Foundation, development strategist for the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, teacher, writer/director/producer of theater and film, and Anton Chekhov scholar at Columbia University's Harriman Institute. She has a BA from Yale and JD from Columbia.Connect with LauraEmail: laura@periodequity.orgSupport the show! Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.com.Follow us on Instagram: @periodtopauseJoin our Facebook Group: Period to Pause

A supply-chain shortage of tampons this summer is raising awareness about menstrual equity or equal access to menstrual products. University of Arkansas, which has lead the way in menstrual equity, among public institutions in the state, is responding. We also learn about sustainable alternatives to conventional period products.

Nearly half of girls in the U.S. have lacked access to period products, and 1 in 5 have missed school because of it. With a tampon shortage and increasing costs, the problem is worsening and forcing girls to use unhygienic and unsafe alternatives. And it doesn't help that most states tax period products like luxury goods. In this episode, we discuss the movement for menstrual equity with Lynette Medley, the Founder & CEO of No More Secrets Mind Body Spirituality.Follow No More Secrets on Instagram.Follow host Halle Tecco on Instagram.Visit The Heart of Healthcare website for episode recaps.Visit offscrip.com/shows for more podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it Amy Schumer as Proctor & Gamble are saying, is it because we're stocking men's bathrooms with tampons or is it a supply chain issue? Let's dig in!Tampax blames Amy Schumer for tampon shortages (nypost.com)Procter & Gamble Posts Biggest Sales Gain in Decades—and a Word of Caution - WSJTampon Shortage Latest Sign of Supply Chain Issues in US Stores | Newsmax.com‘Menstrual Equity': ACLU Demanding Tampons In Men's Bathrooms | The Daily WireNPR on Twitter: "Tampons, a necessity for many, are becoming harder and harder to find. People who menstruate are saying it's hard to find tampons on store shelves across the U.S. right now, as supply chain upsets reach the feminine care aisle. https://t.co/p5mAPlSwPM" / TwitterMiss Universe on Twitter: "Inclusive language is important, especially when speaking about periods. Thinking menstrual health is only a niche topic for woman excludes transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming people who have periods from the conversation. #menstrualequity https://t.co/b37JcUDxgQ" / TwitterGina Bontempo on Twitter: "This clip from Savanah Hernandez reached nearly 1 million views and the anonymous account she shared it from has been wiped from Twitter. https://t.co/xFYumLFUGB" / TwitterConnect with me!Julie Barrett (@juliecbarrett) / Twitter(2) Julie Barrett Womansplaining | Facebookjulie@conservativeladiesofwa.comHome - Conservative Ladies of WashingtonSupport the show

Imagine if you had to skip school or work each month because you didn't have access to safe, affordable menstrual products… How many days would that add up to over your lifetime?Now imagine the flow-on effect those missed days would have on your education, your income, your family, and your future — all because you had your period…And now, on top of all that, imagine that no one ever taught you about periods in the first place. Or worse, that it was ingrained in you that menstruation was ‘bad', ‘dirty', and ‘shameful'...This is the distressing reality for girls and women all over the world — 500 million of them, in fact. It's called ‘Period Poverty'. And in this mind blowing, heart expanding episode, Celeste Mergens — founder of the incredible not-for-profit, ‘Days For Girls' — is sharing the remarkable story of how she and her team are working to end Period Poverty by increasing access to period products, providing holistic menstrual health education in communities around the globe, and creating Menstrual Equity for all.Head to www.melissaambrosini.com/457 for the show notes.Join my newsletter: www.melissaambrosini.com/newsletterFollow me on Instagram: @melissaambrosini See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Period issues are an important human rights & health topics. Meet Vivi Lin, a social entrepreneur who founded #WithRed–a nonprofit tackling period poverty & menstrual inequity in #Taiwan

This week we dive deep into the concept of Menstrual Equity and talk about inclusive language, sustainable and accessible period care, education, and reproductive health. We also talk about Denim Day which happened this week and celebrate our two year anniversary as a podcast community! Love, Jackie and Hannah ---------------------------- Nadya Okomoto: Website and Socials Jackie and Hannah: Check out our Website: https://diverightinpodcast.weebly.com Follow our Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/diverightin Twitter: @DiveRightIn2 TikTok: @DiveRightIn Email: diverightinpodcast@gmail.com Follow our Instagrams: Podcast: @diverightinpodcast Hannah: @hannah.plotkin Jackie: @jackiespinnell

According to Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, author of Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity, taxing menstrual products is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The good news is that the movement to get rid of what has been called the “tampon tax” has been successful in some states. There are still states, however, that continue to tax half of its population. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf joins us to discuss period equity and the injustice of the tampon tax.

According to Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, author of Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity, taxing menstrual products is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The good news is that the movement to get rid of what has been called the “tampon tax” has been successful in some states. There are still states, however, that continue to tax half of its population. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf joins us to discuss period equity and the injustice of the tampon tax.

Period, that time of the month, on the rag… whatever you call it, menstruation is when the lining of the uterus sheds and leaves the body through the vagina. While everyone who menstruates will experience it in their own way, each face many layers of inequity simply because they menstruate (hint – it's way more than financial). Rachel Ettinger (she/her), is the founder and advocate of Here for Her, a social enterprise that focuses on menstruation education and awareness. We talk about why menstrual equity is essential, harmful myths and shame that persists around menstruation, and the impact these have on gender-based violence. This episode provides some tips and tricks on how you can help normalize menstruation.

The federal budget last week included some funding for menstrual equity (0:00) We hear from a woman in St. Anthony who was the unwitting host of a polar bear on her own roof (5:11) Polar bear guard of Black Tickle Jeffrey Keefe will weigh in on the recent polar bear sightings along the coastline (10:46) A short film about a fun and frightening legend in Nain is causing quite a buzz (16:03) The provincial budget told the people of Cartwright to start planning for a new school. We hear from Cartwright's mayor (24:20) The HVGB Salvation Army has a new set of wheels. We drop by for a tour this morning (30:03) After three years, affordable seniors housing in Lab West is no closer to reality, and the group behind the idea doesn't know where to turn. We hear from them (36:57) We speak with Heather Scoffield of the Toronto Star, about the latest on Parliament Hill 43:13)

Period poverty has a huge impact on women, girls and people who menstruate all over the world. Too many people don't have access to menstrual products, safe, hygienic spaces in which to use them. This isn't just a potential health risk - it can also affect their education, well-being, and sometimes their entire lives.One in 10 girls in Africa miss school because they don't have access to menstrual products, or because there aren't safe, private toilets to use at school. In India, approximately 12 percent of its 355 million menstruating people cannot afford menstrual products. In the US 23% of college students can't afford to buy period products. Thankfully, brilliant, passionate people like Chelsea Von Chaz, the founder of Happy Period are working to end period Poverty. Happy Periods distributes free period products to support 100,000 periods a year, through over 40 cities in the US. We explore:Why period products should be provided for free in all public bathrooms, just like toilet paper or soap, and especially in schools.The long term effects of period poverty for women, girls and people with periods, and how this is amplified for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour as well as other marginalised people such as the LGBTQ+ community. How we can all contribute to the movement to end period poverty and create menstrual equity, through education, improving access to period products, and advocacy for marginalised groups in need. ---Registration is open for our 2022 Menstruality Leadership Programme. You can check it out here. https://www.redschool.net/menstruality-leadership-programme-2022---The Menstruality Podcast is hosted by Red School. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email info@redschool.net---Social media:Red School: @red.school - https://www.instagram.com/red.schoolChelsea Von Chaz: @chelseavonchaz - https://www.instagram.com/chelseavonchaz/Happy Period: @wearehappyperiod - https://www.instagram.com/wearehappyperiod

I had a great time chatting with Rayka Zehtabchi and Shaandiin Tome about their spectacular film. Follow DGSpeaks.com for my film review, coming soon. “LONG LINE OF LADIES” AT 2022 #SXSW FILM FESTIVAL Stigma-breaking documentary short by Academy Award-winning director Rayka Zehtabchi and Shaandiin Tome celebrates normalization of open conversations about menstruation Directed by: Rayka Zehtabchi & Shaandiin Tome Produced by: Garrett Schiff, Pimm Tripp-Allen, Rayka Zehtabchi, Sam Davis and Dana Kurth Synopsis: A girl and her community prepare for her Ihuk, the once-dormant coming of age ceremony of the Karuk tribe of Northern California. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dgspeaks/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dgspeaks/support

Steve Brandau dives into further detail about how the Fresno County Board of Supervisors held a press conference at Courthouse Park, adjacent to the Hall of Records, after they vote on a resolution urging Federal and State legislators to increase domestic oil production within Fresno County, the State of California, and other U.S. states and territories. The US House on Friday passed legislation that would ban race-based hair discrimination in employment and against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, and public accommodations. Fresno State issued a statement on March 18 in response to calls to further menstrual equity by Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Senator of Operations and Resident Affairs Megan Torres. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of International Women's Day, we are joined by Melissa Berton, co-founder of The Pad Project and Oscar winning producer of Period. End of Sentence. Barriers to safe menstruation exist across the US and around the world, caused by financial, cultural and hygienic constraints. This eye-opening episode provides a window into the challenge faced by so many.   Show Notes: The Pad Project Period. End of Sentence. Documentary & Visit OOMLA to shop thoughtfully designed (OOM)Bras!   Produced by Dear Media

Zeba Khan is the founder of Free Periods Canada and her biggest turning point happened after she watched a video showing the discomfort that people experience when they don't have access to menstrual products. It led her to buy and distribute pads and tampons to homeless shelters in Vancouver. Her next step; putting out a call to action on Facebook for others who wanted to do the same. Before she knew it, she was part of a coordinated effort to create menstrual equity, which eventually became Free Periods Canada.This grassroots initiative also changed the course of her education. In this episode you'll also learn more about her childhood in Bangladesh, her move to Canada, and why she's so passionate about making menstrual supplies accessible to anyone who needs them.

Menstrual equity and period poverty are two incredibly important issues that aren't talked about enough. In this episode, we take a look at issues of accessibility when it comes to menstrual hygiene and how we can take steps forward to make sure everyone can have a safe and happy period.Listener perk: 15% off the Viv menstrual cup (and other Viv products) with code GOODWITCH15View all podcast listener perks here.Referenced in this episode: ACLU: The Unequal Price of PeriodsState of the Period by Thinx/Period.orgAmerican Medical Association: Why stigma prevents treating menstrual hygiene as essentialPeriod EquityCode Red Collective +  GoFundMeMA Menstrual Equity Coalition - I AM BillWomen's Voices on EarthThinx period underwear - $10 off your purchaseHow you can work with me:Apply to work with me 1:1Enroll in the Cycle Magic cycle-syncing courseCheck out my virtual workshopsKeep in touch!WebsiteInstagramSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kristenc)

Phil Jang, founder of The Red Dot Project, talks about menstrual equity, the stigma around menstruation, and the intersectional aspects of menstruation that are so often left out of the conversation.   Want to learn about The Red Dot Project? https://www.reddotprojecttoronto.org/ https://www.facebook.com/reddotprojecttoronto/  https://www.instagram.com/reddotprojecttoronto/ Curious about Phil Jang? Find him on: https://www.instagram.com/pjang/  https://twitter.com/pjang85  phil@reddotprojecttoronto.org

What's the deal with menstrual equity anyway? Join me today with my guest Rachel Ettinger and her mission to spread awareness and education on menstruation. Stick around for my 3 favourite things for the week AND a Friendo Recommendation! Thank you for being here!   Explore my shop: http://www.hellofriendo.com   Thank you Rachel for your contribution to Friendo. Follow Rachel on Instagram  @shophereforher and at her website https://shophereforher.ca     Follow along on social: Instagram @hellofriendoshop Instagram @amandamuse Twitter @museamanda Facebook /museamanda YouTube AmandaMuse   Advertising Inquiries: https://curiouscast.ca/advertise-with-us/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the semester's last episode of The State Hornet Podcast, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion editor Emma Hall brings you the top stories entering the final week of fall 2021.This week's highlights include a new date for the anti-racism and inclusion convocation, the editorial board's piece calling for Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen's resignation, California's new “Menstrual Equity for All” bill and a FAQ for spring 2022 instruction.Music: Acid Jazz by Kevin MacLeodShow Notes:Sac State president announces new date for anti-racism and inclusion convocationFAQ: What to know about Sac State's spring 2022 classes, COVID-19 protocolsCSU system to enforce menstrual product distribution in 2022-2023 school yearEDITORIAL: President Nelsen, we don't accept your apology — you should resign

Sometimes, the story is about the absence of a thing, or the loss of a thing. That's the story for over 500 million people all over the world--including people in the United States--when it comes to menstrual products. Not having access to this small thing causes people to lose days of school, to lose wages from their jobs; it robs them of their agency and often alters the course of their lives in major ways. Days for Girls is an organization that is working to change this situation by providing people with menstrual kits that can be used for years at a time. In this episode of the podcast, we travel to Nairobi, Kenya where mother and daughter Christine Khamasi and Patricia Ayuma tell inspiring stories of how this small thing changed their lives for the better, both personally and professionally.  See photos of Christine and Patricia and more at tinyhistoriespodcast.com.

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show features Celeste Mergens, Founder and CEO of Days for Girls, a unique, international non-profit organization that actively works to advance menstrual equity, health, dignity, and opportunity for all. As they say on their website https://www.daysforgirls.org/, "Let's shatter the stigma of menstruation and transform periods to pathways!" Special thank you to: - Eva Shaw, author of "The Seer" - https://evashaw.com/ - Dr. Jacqueline Eubany, author of "Women & Heart Disease: The Real Story" - https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/

The Red Dove discusses all things period related: the hosts' experiences, lack of access to menstrual products in America, The Honey Pot (a Black owned company), California's Menstrual Equity for All Act and Spotlight In Activism: Free The Period. Free The Period is a coalition of students fighting to end period poverty in their communities by securing access to free menstrual products in all California schools, colleges and universities.

The Red Dove discusses all things period related: the hosts' experiences, lack of access to menstrual products in America, The Honey Pot (a Black owned company), California's Menstrual Equity for All Act and Spotlight In Activism: Free The Period. Free The Period is a coalition of students fighting to end period poverty in their communities by securing access to free menstrual products in all California schools, colleges and universities.

A recently published study found 1 in 5 first-generation college students have experienced period poverty. Latinas were most likely to report period poverty, followed by Black women. In this episode, we hear from three Black women who are making strides in menstrual equity through legislation, donations and product development.

Vivi Lin is an award winning menstrual equity champion. She recently won the Diana Award 2021 due to the work she does for Little Red Riding Hood.

In this exciting episode, we're having the sex talk you wish you got from your parents. Do you remember Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret? Well, today it's me, host Michele Goodwin, asking the questions and inviting you to join us as we talk about sex, periods, non-binary healthcare, maternal health—and what don't we know or ignore about our own bodies.     Today we ask: What do you wish you learned from your parents, in school, or even now?  And when it comes to reproductive and sexual health as policy issues, what's on the docket and on the ballot in 2021? Whose rights are at stake?    Very special guests tackle these questions and more:Kelly Davis, a maternal health policy expert and vice president for global birth equity and innovation at the National Birth Equity Collaborative, an organization devoted to Black maternal and infant health. She is a public health professional and has worked in the past with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to launch programs for maternal health, HIV prevention, food access and more.  Dr. Fatu Forna, a maternal health consultant, obstetrician-gynecologist and epidemiologist. She has worked with the World Health Organization as their lead for reproductive and maternal health in Sierra Leone, and with the CDC as a medical epidemiologist. She is also the founder of the Mama-Pikin Foundation, which works to fight Sierra Leone's high maternal mortality rates.  Mary Emily O'Hara, an LGBTQ media and policy expert and rapid response manager at GLAAD. They are also an award-winning journalist specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, and have written for Teen Vogue, Vice, Rolling Stone, The Advocate, Al Jazeera and more.  Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, an advocate for menstrual equity and the founder of Period Equity, a legal organization devoted to achieving menstrual equity through advocacy and policy change. She is also a lawyer with expertise in nonprofit leadership and development, and is currently a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. In addition to being a regular contributor to Ms., her writing has been published in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Time magazine, Harper's Bazaar and more. She is also the author of the book Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity.  Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com.Support the show (http://msmagazine.com)

When I think about young people changing American society, I think about Nadya Okamoto. She is a 23 year-old menstrual activist, Harvard grad, and founder of August, a lifestyle brand working to reimagine periods. At 16 she founded PERIOD, the largest youth-run non profit org in women's health (which distributes menstrual hygiene products and advocates for ending what is known as the tampon tax, published a book Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement. She was the youngest Asian American to run for public office in US history. She's in adidas ads with Pharrell, she was on Teen Vogues 21 under 21 list, Forbes 30 under 30, Bloomberg 50 “Ones to Watch”, Instyle, Glamour, and and People Magazine's versions of Women Changing the World lists i've never read off a longer intro, and it's not liek you can cut any of that out ….. She's astonishingly accomplished for a person of any age. But Nadya's drive to make a difference is undoubtedly fueled in part by her own trauma (TRIGGER WARNING*), she describes living through homelessness, abuse, and sexual assault. Produced by Dear Media.

Eva Marie Carney is Founder and Board President of the Kwek Society: an organization working to eliminate period poverty in Native schools and communities across the United States. She is a human rights lawyer and an elected legislator of the Shawnee, Oklahoma-based Citizen Potawatomi Nation – of which is also a citizen.In this episode, Eva dives into her passion for fighting (and shining a light on) menstrual inequities in tribal nations; how the Kwek Society is serving rural, pubescent and un-homed menstruators; and all about the organization's evolving impact in schools and communities across the country.Highlights:What inspired Eva to become a menstrual equity champion within the Native American communityThe unique and universal factors driving period poverty for Native American menstruators – including financial and resource barriers in rural reservations and lack of free products in schoolsHow the Kwek Society is fighting period poverty in Native-majority schools and communities across statelinesThe importance of reaching communities in isolated, hard-to-access areasAll about the “Berry Fast,” an Ojibwe/Potawatomi tradition that celebrates the beginning of a girl's menstruationHow Eva's role as an elected legislator for the Potawatomi Nation has shaped the Kwek Society's impact and reachConnect:Website: kweksociety.orgInstagram: @kweksocietyTwitter: @kweksocietyEmail: kweksociety@gmail.comBio:Eva Marie Carney is The Kwek Society's Founder and Board President. She holds elected office as a Member of the Legislature of the Shawnee, Oklahoma-based Citizen Potawatomi Nation and works as a human rights lawyer through Just Neighbors, a nonprofit law firm. Eva is a citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and lives in Virginia. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BA in history, and received her JD from Stanford Law School. Her two adult children actively support The Kwek Society and their dog Bailey serves as the organization's Chief of Morale.Support the show (http://bit.ly/donatetodfg)

The fight for menstrual equality has been building for decades, but thanks to the rise in social media and activism the movement gained rapid momentum in 2015: “The Year of the Period”. In this episode, we meet with model and activist Kenny Jones, the first transgender male model to front a campaign around period shame, Kiran Gandhi who ran the London marathon free bleeding, and Sarika Gupta, whose social initiative looks to eradicate period stigma in India. Thankfully, these voices are few among the many that are gaining momentum and moving us forward.

Produced in partnership with Diva International (Makers of the DivaCup) and Media One Creative.

This week is all about periods. Sarah and William welcome Lizzy MacRae Garvin--a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) professional--to Down the Rabbit Hole to discuss menstruation... what are the challenges, barriers, and stigmas that impact how people view and experience their periods. They talk in both the global and domestic contexts and explore some of intersecting challenges such as homelessness and incarceration. As always if you have any questions about the episode or want to discuss it further, you can reach out to prevention@tcfv.org. Here are some resources from the episode: ALCU report on period equity: https://www.aclu.org/report/unequal-price-periods Marni Sommer's research on menstruation and homelessness: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353829220310923?via%3Dihub Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf: www.periodequity.org/book-1 Dolly Parton and Patti LaBelle playing their nails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g8sPWiKw-4

Aine 0:00 This podcast has been produced in partnership with Diva International (makers of the DivaCup) and Media One Creative. This is Pandora's Box: a podcast that is on a mission to uncover how periods affect the lives of those that experience them around the globe. Join us as we travel the world to find real stories by real women and people who menstruate who are championing change and bringing light to the global impact of menstruation. I'm Aine, Cait 0:27 and I'm Cait your hosts.Aine 0:33 People who menstruate around the world that are lacking access to products. In the UK alone, one in 10 people struggle to afford menstrual supplies. Cait, how much do you think you're spending on period products?Cait 0:43 I think I used to spend $20 a month on menstrual products because I always got the kind of fancy comfortable tampons, I think. But since I've been on birth control, an IUD, I don't get my periods very often. So I got those period panties. And I find them to be fantastic. And they were expensive to begin with, but it's a great reusable option. I don't have to spend money anymore.Aine 1:12 I feel the same about the DivaCup. I was thinking about that the other day, I was walking by the tampon aisle and I just thought, "I haven't bought tampons or pads in a year." But it's just the liberation of never having to think about anything. I get my period and I'm like, okay, here's the thing that I use, and it's just there. There's something really, really liberating about that and I just think it's a revolutionary product.Cait 1:35 I can definitely say that when I was a student and walking into the drugstore, I was like, "Oh, I have to spend money on this. I guess I'll take that out of my budget." But it was something I could always afford.Aine 1:48 Whenever I was a student, or whenever I was just started working and was not earning a lot of money, it definitely felt like a big strain on my finances to have to buy menstrual products. So I can't even imagine what it's like to be in a position where you have to choose to buy medical products or to buy food or to buy clothes. Really, over the course of this process in this journey, so many times I've put myself in the shoes of people not being able to afford menstrual products, and I can't imagine how vulnerable that must make them feel not being able to deal with something that you can't stop. It's flowing, it's coming and not being able to control that, that must be so awful. They can't participate. They don't want to go out into society. That must just be a really awful feeling.Cait 2:33 I would think it would be pretty frustrating, too. Because when you think about it, there's toilet paper for free and public washrooms because nobody can control needing to go to the washroom. Like, that's a normal thing you can't stop. It's the exact same thing with periods. It's not like, "Oh, this month, I'm just going to not have it, I'm going to make that choice." So why aren't they giving out free products for periods as well? It would be really frustrating to be like, I don't have money for this. And this is something I have to deal with, but this guy doesn't have to worry about it.Aine 3:08 So that's interesting that you bring that up, because in lot of the studies that we did and a lot of looking into how periods are perceived, a lot of comments have been made by men, that, "Why can't you just hold it in?" Because they think that we can control the flow and that we choose to turn it on, and it's just like a top. I think we watched a video when we doing research and some guy was like, "Girls are just disgusting. Like, can they not hold it in? I don't pee myself. And they're just like, getting blood all over themselves." Like this is an actual thought that people have about periods because they just don't understand the anatomy. And they think that we're just choosing to bleed whenever we feel like it's so pretty shocking.Cait 3:45 To learn more, we sat down with Dawn Butler in London. Dawn is a government champion for those who can't afford period products.Dawn Butler 3:54 Hi, my name is Dawn Butler. I'm the Member of Parliament for Brent Central. I am the opposition spokesperson. So for the Labour Party, I'm the Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities. I used to be a minister under the last Labour Government and I was the first elected black female minister in the UK. Period poverty is almost like phenomenon that's all of a sudden come to light over the last 10 years. It's quite shocking, you know, the sixth richest country in the world, and we've got children, young menstruators who can't go to school because they're on their periods. We've got menstruators who are going to work and using socks instead of towels or cups. And it's quite a shocking thing, because at first you think, "That can't be happening here in the UK." But we've found it's happening more and more often, as people haven't got enough food to eat. They're having to make the decisions on whether to eat, whether to heat their homes, or whether to get menstrual products. It happens everywhere: it happens in the cities, it happens in rural areas, I mean food banks now have started to provide products for people who are menstruating because there was such a need for it.Aine 5:21 After speaking to Dawn, it was really refreshing to hear that there are people focused on fighting period poverty. The more you hear about this issue, the more shocking and frustrating it becomes because you hear about people in impossible situations where they're forced to sit home and just bleed because they cannot get access to the products that they need. We shouldn't have to suffer in silence or just miss out on participating in society because of something that is a bodily function that is just not prioritized at a government level.Cait 5:50 Being born with the ability to menstruate, it shouldn't mean that you don't get to participate and when I've talked to people here in Toronto about how this happens in the Western world, they're totally convinced that it doesn't happen here. But it absolutely is a problem here. There is period poverty and it surprised me how adamant people can be about their idea that it's not a Western world problem at all. After hearing about how period poverty is affecting individuals around the world, we wanted to hear stories from those who have suffered through this crisis. We visited Rachel Krengel to learn more about her story and how she created an organization called Fourth Wave.Rachel Krengel  6:33 And then, what came out of that was that of six lower-middle-class or working-class women, two of us had a personal experience of menstrual poverty that we've never mentioned before. And bear in mind, we're a feminist collective. We talk about our vaginas constantly, but we never ever have shared these stories. There are so many people who are living in really abject poverty but are just managing to hide it because they're juggling, you know, this week we won't buy any food, this week we were buying the menstrual pads, this week we won't turn the heating on. Between it all, we're just about holding together an appearance that we're surviving and not a lot goes on.Aine 7:19 It was at that point that a news article came out reporting that children from Rachel's hometown were regularly missing schools during their periods because they couldn't afford menstrual products.Cait 7:28 Rachel's vision for Fourth Wave is inspiring. Her organization is determined to make a change. It reminded us about something Dawn said on the topic.Dawn Butler 7:37 It shouldn't be the case that you have to worry about something that happens naturally to you that you can't stop. And governments and organizations and societies should ensure that that isn't the case, and that's wherever you go to work, school, university, or prison.Aine 7:58 Dawn isn't the only political figure who believes that menstrual products should be a right, not an expense. We spoke to Danielle Rowley, a Labour Member of Parliament for Midlothian in Scotland, to hear her story.Danielle Rowley  8:09 I'm Danielle Rowley, Labour Member of Parliament for Midlothian in Scotland. Came into parliament and I had a question about period poverty and I happened to be on my period so I decided to sort of contextualize the cost of, you know, periods that a lot of women face by saying that I'm on my period and talking about how much it had cost me. I had no idea of when I said in parliament I was on my period that it was the first time anyone had said that before. And I've discovered it's not only in the UK, but I don't think anyone has said in any parliament that they're on their period before. It's not being talked about enough, you know, so I think a lot of people might not come out and say, "I don't want to discuss that." But they're not making sure it's high up on the agenda. And that's just, you know, shown by the fact that I was the first person who said I was on my period in parliament. If we had debates on it like we should do, because it's such a huge issue, then someone would have said that before. So it's not getting the prominence that it deserves.Cait 9:12 Dawn was actually in parliament with MP Danielle Rowley when she stood up and spoke about her period.Dawn Butler 9:18 MP Danielle, she stood up. She ran in, actually, sort of out of breath for a debate and said, "I'm really sorry. I'm on my period." And there were a few gasps, I think, in the chamber. And remember, it's a chamber that's not used to women in the first place. And I felt like putting my hand up and saying, "I'm on my period too." And I found it quite an empowering moment and it's a situation where we should be able to just talk about it without feeling dehumanized, without being ridiculed.  Aine 9:50 Change isn't only happening in the UK. In the U.S., changemakers such as Jennifer Weiss-Wolf are fiercely combating period poverty.Jennifer Weiss-Wolf  9:57 So if the people making the rules aren't people who've experienced menstruation, there's a really good chance they're not even wondering if it's a problem or not. So the combination of the silence, of the shame, of the stigma, with the fact that we do not have a government here in the United States, and I venture to say in most places in the world, where women's needs and women's bodies and women's experiences are elevated and acknowledged, and the laws that we live by viewed through that perspective, you sort of have your perfect storm of menstruation just not being part of the systems that we talk about. And as I'm sure lots of folks have said, that you've talked to, if you don't talk about it, you certainly can't start solving the problem.Cait 10:46 Jennifer brings up an interesting perspective on the need for diverse voices amongst policymakers is the reason that period poverty isn't prominent in government conversations simply because there's a lack of menstrual representation.Aine 10:59 I find this really frustrating, because to me, it seems so obvious that is an issue that should be taken into account, and also that these are products that shouldn't be taxed. So it just seems so obvious to me. But that's because I experienced menstruation. So if there's no representation of people that menstruate in governments, then that has got to be the reason why these policies are being ignored and not given priority at all.Cait 11:29 It's impossible to understand what the policies need to be if you can't understand the experience of menstruation. I find it very frustrating that I don't have somebody to advocate for me with the full knowledge of what it's like to have your period and what the costs associated are and what the barriers are involved in menstruating.Aine 11:51 I think this is an example of gender inequality contributing to further gender inequality. So the fact that there's less women in government is due to gender inequality, and now that's contributing to further gender inequality, because women and people who menstruate are not being given the priority that they deserve in order to get these issues solved. I think the tampon tax is such a clear example of this. If you had somebody who menstruates sitting in the room when they decided that this was a luxury item, they would have said, actually, wait a second. There's nothing luxurious about having a period. It's just something that happens. To help us answer this question, we asked Elissa Stein, a menstrual historian, and familiar voice from episode one.Elissa Stein  12:34 So women only got the right to vote not even 100 years ago, and because of the mindset of hysteria, and emotional imbalance, and women were just intrinsically more frail, because of their uterus and because of menstruation, so many people in the world thought that, you know, in the United States in England, women didn't have the right to vote, because they were not stable enough. And there was a huge political discourse in the United States about whether women should have the right to vote. And for a couple of years, politicians, leaders in the country were coming out making public statements about whether they thought that women should be able to vote or not. So the whole fight about suffragettes wasn't just about the right to vote, it was whether women were strong enough or emotionally capable of voting. So that to why women couldn't have a job outside the home, why a woman couldn't own property, why a woman became her husband's possession when they got married, it's all based on her not being capable of making decisions on your own because she menstruated and that rendered her too emotionally insecure. To function as her own person, she needed to have a man to take care of her and make decisions. In our current political environment, where women are being demonized in many ways, where gender and sexuality are at the top of the list of reasons for hate crimes. This brings menstruation back into a conversation in a different way. What sets men and women apart menstruation. So it's an easy target. It's an easy way for people to belittle, to judge, to tell women that they're not competent.Cait 14:14 Dawn also had an important point on this topic.Dawn Butler 14:18 It's about respecting women and respecting people who menstruate. Because too often, our legislation and policies are all geared towards dehumanizing and devaluing women, and the role that women play in society. And I think this is part of it. This is part of us owning it and saying, "This is what happens. This happens to me and this is what we need to do to make it easier for me to go about my daily business." And so I think we take it from a perspective of empowering. This is an empowering conversation. And it means that, you know, it adds dignity and pride to everybody else that's going through it. Aine 14:58 So if these are the issues the Western world is facing, what's happening in the global south?Cait 15:03 65% of women and girls cannot afford menstrual products in Kenya. A pack of 10 sanitary pads costs just over $1, which is roughly the daily wage of an unskilled laborer. Kenya was actually the first country to promise free menstrual products in school.Aine 15:20 While we were in Kenya, we talked to Esther Passaris, the women's representative for Nairobi, to learn about the country's stance on period products.Esther Passaris  15:28 The discussion on the importance of having sanitary towels given to our girls, and how not having it impacted their education, it didn't give them an equal opportunity, started because you had more women in parliament. And then the women were also able to lobby the men because the men understand that their daughters go through this. So the men, I guess, rather than stand in Parliament and oppose it, which would be an embarrassing situation to even discuss it, it was an easy sale. But the thing is, making the budget, you know, allocating budget for women issues, is always a challenge. So it took a while before the president accepted into law, the provision of sanitary towels, and it's still going to take a while before we can actually implement it.Cait 16:19 Despite what people may think, Kenya is progressive in regards to menstrual policy. Sabrina Rubli, who's the founder of Femme International had an interesting take.Sabrina Rubli  16:28 It's just gonna take time. It's one of those issues that even though it's extremely widespread, and so many people have to manage their periods every month, it's going to take time for that to actually turn into concrete changes at the community level and at the very local level where these girls need it the most. But with the growth of Menstrual Hygiene Day, over the last five years, governments are getting involved. The Kenyan government especially has been super progressive. Tanzania's government is also starting that conversation at the higher levels, which is really exciting. And organizations like Femme are going to be here to make sure that they follow up on their promises and maintain that commitment to girls' education. Aine 17:08 It's exciting to hear that shifts are starting to happen. People are taking action against period poverty.Cait 17:14 It's incredibly motivating to see changes being made in the political space, I think it's really important for governments to support people who menstruate. And I think that there's a lot that we can do as citizens to also contribute to this change. I think that reaching out to your representative and really highlighting the issues around period poverty is incredibly important. I think it goes under the radar because nobody talks about them. So it's really difficult as well for your government to address these issues if nobody is talking about them.Aine 17:48 As frustrating as it is that this is still such a huge issue, it is reassuring to see there are so many people who are making noise right now. There are so many changemakers and influencers who are really yelling from the rooftops that this is something that governments need to take notice of this is something that people need to get their heads out of the sand and start dealing with. There are so many people starting public conversations about this, that I feel like it's going to spur on the movement.Cait 18:18 One thing that we learned when we were in Kenya was that a lot of people from the Western world are making reusable pads and then sending them to countries in East Africa. But there are amazing groups in East Africa that are helping women to set up businesses where they make reusable pads and then sell them for a really affordable price to people in their community. And they were saying, "Please don't send us reusable pads. That doesn't help us as much as if you were to send us the materials that you need to make reusable pads." So that specific material that absorbs is really hard to come by, it's much more helpful to send this particular type of material called poly urethane laminate, which they use for the reusable pads as the moisture barrier. Because this allows women to actually sew their own reusable pads and sell them in their community which allows them to get an income and then they can spend that money in their community. And that really grows their community's economic wellbeing. After hearing about Kenya's move on free menstrual products, we were curious if this was a global phenomenon amongst governments. After all, Canada, the U.S. and Scotland have been providing free menstrual products.Aine 19:41 To start off, we talked to Dawn Butler in the UK. Dawn Butler 19:45 What we said as the Labour Party is that once we're in government, we would provide free products in schools, colleges, and homeless shelters. And it's to ensure that anyone who's menstruating have access to products without feeling ashamed without having to miss school and without having to miss work. And so we found the money. And we're dedicated to ensuring that there's products in schools, colleges, universities and homeless shelters. And we're committed to do that on day one of us entering office in government. So the Labor Party at the moment and one of my Shadow Ministers, Carolyn Harris, she's going around giving out these products in prisons, to women who on the street, just to make sure that's one less thing that they have to worry about.Aine 20:39 After speaking to Dawn, we wanted to see what's happening in North America. So in September of 2019, the Toronto District School Board announced they were going to provide free menstrual products for all girls and students that menstruate. This is huge. I mean, this just means that it's eradicating period poverty within schools, which is a lot of the time where girls and students that menstruate are impacted the most because it's affecting their education and their ability to participate.Cait 21:06 So Kenya was actually the first country to get rid of the sales tax on menstrual products. And that happened in 2004. Since then, Australia, Canada, Colombia, India, Ireland, Slovakia, and a few other countries have cut down the taxes on menstrual products.Aine 21:27 So we have this fun little segment of the documentary where we show all of the items that are exempt from sales tax. So there's cowboy boots, Twizzlers, Bibles, Cait 21:39 Fruit Roll-ups,Aine 21:40 gun club memberships, Cait 21:42 Pop Tarts, Aine 21:44 golf club memberships, Cait 21:46 Viagra, Aine 21:46 Rogaine. They're not seen as luxury items, but tampons are. We actually had this very interesting discussion. We were at the Women's March in New York, and we met these guys who were actually protesting the Women's March. And we talked to them about this. And we said, "What do you think about the fact that Viagra is not taxed? Rogaine is not taxed?" And one of the guys said, "Well, that's not men's fault." And we said, "Okay, so periods are a woman's fault." And they were like, "Yeah. Yeah, they are." So that was pretty eye-opening. Next, we spoke with Elissa Stein, to see what the U.S. is doing to combat period poverty.Elissa Stein  22:26 In the past nine years since it came out, the conversation has exploded. In New York City, girls now have access to menstrual products at school, free of charge. This is a necessity of life for women. And it's taxed in so many places, it's being repealed. That's amazing that the conversation is going from beyond the United States to all these different countries where women don't have access to products don't even have conversations about what menstruation is. That people are taking the time and thoughtfulness to educate is profound.Cait 23:03 Hearing from Dawn and Elissa made us think about Kiran Gandhi's story about free bleeding in the London Marathon during our first episode. We were curious to hear her thoughts on the tampon tax.Madame Gandhi  23:14 I think that we live in a world that profits off of women's bodies and bodies in general, taxing something like a tampon as a luxury item in the same way. Viagra, which is actually a luxury item gets taxed is not an equal parallel. And one of the most problematic things that we do in this society is that in order for us to understand women's bodies, men and the society constantly feel the need to identify the male parallel. And so when I ran, I remember so many times people will be like, "Well, that's like a man doing number two when he's running." Or like, "Oh, that's like a man having an ejaculation when he's running." And I'm like, "Actually, it's unlike either of those things, because women have the parallel of those two exact things." And it's okay that there's no parallel of menstruation to men. You don't have to masculinize our bodies in order to understand them. In fact, I think we're a little bit more intelligent than that. And so with this tampon tax, because people parallel it to something that's a false parallel, it gets taxed incorrectly. And it is certainly a necessity. It's a public health necessity. Aine 24:21 It's inspiring to hear the passion that these individuals have to change the way we interact with period products.Cait 24:27 Because a lot of people really want to understand comparable products for men that are like tampons. But somebody made a really interesting point who we talked to, and they said, "Why do you need a comparable product? Not everything is all about men. Women can just have something that's a women's thing, and you don't need to defend it by coming up with a comparison with men."Aine 24:51 I'm going to guess that the tampon tax exists because when it was introduced there, most likely were no people who menstruate around the table. And I would say something that is defined as a luxury is something that we don't need, something that we want. But we need these products. They're not luxury, they're necessity. Definitely representation in governments by all genders is so important because this is just one thing that's being missed and overlooked of course there are other things that only women experience that are not getting enough priority because they're misrepresented in governments.Cait 25:32 To get to the bottom of the issue, when we sat down with Rachel Krengel, we asked her why she thinks premium tampon taxes exist.Rachel Krengel  25:39 The tampon tax is an interesting and complicated issue and a lot of misinformation exists on it. What it really is, it's an issue of political representation because the UK government was given X amount of time to decide what products were going to be tax free when they entered the EU, and at that point, there were very few menstruators in parliament. So who was going to say, "Actually we probably should put menstrual pads and tampons as tax free." Nobody, because the vast majority of people in parliament weren't menstruators and that still remains that there are still considerably less menstruators than non-menstruators in all levels of political representation. It's getting better, but it's getting better slowly.Aine 26:21 In this episode we tackle the period poverty crisis and explored why it is a global issue. We learned why it's happening and what's been done to take action. We talked to multiple women in parliament pushing to make change.Cait 26:33 Period poverty has remained invisible for a long time, but now it's finally beginning to receive the light it deserves.Aine 26:40 Tune into our next episode where you learn about the new products and innovations being created within the menstruation space.Cait 26:47 Also a big thanks to her podcasting team for producing this. This episode was edited by Brittany Nguyen, Alison Osborne and Stephanie Andrews.Aine 27:04 Since recording this podcast, huge progress has been made in the UK. Menstrual products are now available for free in all schools and in 2021, the UK government eradicated the tampon tax. Pandora's Box is also an award-winning feature-length documentary. To find out where to watch the film, you can visit pandorasboxthefilm.com 

Aine 0:00 This podcast has been produced in partnership with Diva International (makers of the DivaCup) and Media One Creative. This is Pandora's Box, a podcast that is on a mission to uncover how periods affect the lives of those that experience them around the globe. Join us as we travel the world to find real stories by real women and people who menstruate who are championing change and bringing light to the global impact of menstruation. I'm Aine  Cait 0:27 and I'm Cait, your hosts. Aine 0:32 This episode is going to be a little bit different than the others. You won't be hearing much from Cait or myself. We're going to be passing the mic Topeka K. Sam, Executive Director of Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM). We first met Topeka back in 2019 when we were filming the documentary. She became a very central character in the film. We were just blown away by her story and by the work she does with the LOHM.  Aine 0:56 Some of the most shocking stories we heard when making this documentary were from incarcerated or formerly incarcerated women and people who menstruate. It was very harrowing to hear stories of how these marginalized communities and people are further marginalized and punished just because they have a period. Topeka K. Sam  1:18 As a formerly incarcerated woman, I know firsthand the experiences of having menstruation while incarcerated. I remember the first day I received my period. I'm not talking about when I was in prison, but when I was eight years old, I remember being in school and I just started bleeding. And sorry if I'm being a little graphic, but this is what we go through as women. I remember crying and going to the nurse saying that something was going on with me. They called my mom. And my mom was like, "Oh, well, Topeka. This is what it is." And she started to explain to me how she was seven when she got hers.  Topeka K. Sam  1:54 And I remember receiving this huge piece of cloth that reminded me of a little mini boat that you put in your bathtub, it was so big for my little body. And I got my first purse, because my mother had me put these little pads in this purse and told me that I had to carry them with me to school. And every month I was able to carry a purse while I had these. Topeka K. Sam  2:16 I talk about that particular experience and how it correlates to when I was incarcerated and needing pads. Unfortunately, the pads weren't the size of a boat. They were really thin. They were not what we needed. But what we ended up doing a lot of times, because they weren't giving them out to us, was we had to pay for them. Pads were being used as kind of bartering systems a lot of times with the guards, male guards very often. It allowed me to really, really think through what was happening in this country, how our dignity was being stripped, and how menstrual products and the inequities around those who actually receive them was happening in this country. And there were no conversations that were going on around what happens to women who are imprisoned with periods.  Topeka K. Sam  3:02 I was raised with three brothers, a two-parent home. My parents were together for 58 years prior to my father passing last year. They were franchise business owners. We were the only black family in our neighborhood. I would say I grew up very privileged. We had the best of educations. I laugh and say my father wanted us to be a string quartet because I was trained in piano and flute, one of my brothers in violin, another one in cello, another in percussion. I was captain of every team. I was president of every club. That lets you see what my ambition was. And just the need to succeed, partly because I had parents who did. My mother says I just had that kind of spirit in me of fearlessness and the ability to just do and change the world. But when you have such strong presence, the way you show up in the world actually will determine sometimes what happens in your life.  Topeka K. Sam  3:50 And so I decided that I wanted to go to an HBCU, historically black college, because I wanted to be around other kids of color. So I chose Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. I chose that because a really close friend of the family who I called my aunt Maddie went to Morgan State and told me how great it was. And it wasn't too far from home. And this was my first time away from home. Being there, I was super excited because now I'm in a community with people that were just like me, then also there was fear. The fear was that I was away from home, but I didn't know about anything in life. And so I started to try to find my way. I end up dating guys who were selling drugs, eventually selling drugs myself.  Topeka K. Sam  4:29 One point I had just completely stopped that particular lifestyle. I get a call and I ended up, "Okay, you know what, this is the call that I've been waiting for. I can connect some people together real quick, make some money, open this other business and then that's it. I'm out. One last run."  Or so I thought. So now, I'm in Virginia at a meeting and something just didn't feel right. But what I do know is being arrested and I found myself in a jail, a county jail, in Hanover, Virginia.  Topeka K. Sam  4:57 Before I went in, I was going through uterine issues, and so really heavy cycles. My doctor said I had what was called uterine fibroids. And so I knew going in that I was diagnosed, I was planning to get the surgery that year in 2012. I assumed that because I was still having these heavy cycles while I was incarcerated, I will see if I can get that surgery. And so I applied to do that through the court. I went and got the surgery, or so I thought, and I came back and the cramps were worse, the cycle was heavier. And I said, “Something isn't right.” This did not feel as if anything was actually done. I made a joke earlier, but the seriousness is they were giving us the cheapest sanitary products that they could, and a very, very small amount of them, and as I mentioned with uterine fibroids, often we have very heavy and long cycles. And with that, sometimes I will go through a pack of pads a day. That's how bad it was for me. Aine 5:51 Sadly, so many incarcerated women and people who menstruate have stories about how challenging it was for them to deal with menstruation during their time spent in prison. Topeka introduced us to two formerly incarcerated women named Cass Severe and Naquasia Pollard. Both women now work with Topeka at LOHM, and wanted to share their firsthand experience of menstruating in prison. Cass Severe 6:20  I do recall a horrific experience where one particular day, lots of days, rather, my pad was so, like, saturated with blood that I one point I remember it sliding down my pant leg, you know, and it hit the floor. And it was so embarrassing on top of traumatizing but, you know, that's all I had to work with. That's what I basically got used to at times: just rewrap that same used sanitary napkin over and over again until I was able to obtain something clean. So on top of that, this was affecting my health. Naquasia Pollard  6:58 I remember a time that I was on a visit and I saw it all the way through my clothes. I went to go change and come back to my visit, and the correctional officer said that I was not allowed to do that. Either I sit on the visit and soil my pants or I terminate my visit. I terminated my visit because I didn't want to sit there and soil my clothes. That just doesn't make any sense. It was heartbreaking. Aine7:26 The lack of access to products is not only traumatizing for those who experience it, it brings up some serious health concerns as well. And particularly if somebody is dealing with a health issue that makes their period more difficult or more painful every month to begin with. Topeka K. Sam  7:48 They would give us a pack of pads a month, which sometimes was 12 pads. So you expected to keep a sole pad on for hours in a day, sometimes a day. And then you would have to purchase pads through commissary, and they were costing the same amount of money as you would if you went into the Duane Reade or Walgreens. And so I get to federal prison after being sentenced. And I still had the same issues. And I remember going to the doctor and they told me no, there was nothing wrong. They see that I had the surgery. And I'm like, I know something is wrong with me, we know our bodies. But there they ration the pads out very differently. And so though I was fortunate enough to have the highest paying job, whatever that looks like, $100 a month in prison, I was able to get support from home, I was still only allowed to buy a pack of pads every commissary and so I had to request through medical to get pads prescribed to me because the pads were so very thin and cheap. And I thought it was ridiculous that we actually had to pay for them. Topeka K. Sam  8:46  I remember getting to another prison and I saw a doctor from outside and she touched my stomach and she was like, "Your fibroids are huge." And I just broke down and cried. Because I was like, “Wow. It's the first time there's a doctor who's actually acknowledging the things that I already knew was wrong with me.” This one particular prison, I was told that in order for me to get that documentation and get prescribed pads from the doctor, that I had to quantify my period. And what that meant is I needed to take the used pads and put them in a brown paper bag and show them to the male officer who was often such on duty, I would open the bag so he would see the pads, see that I used the pads so that he can ration out five more pads.  Topeka K. Sam  9:27 The feeling of pain and the feeling of disgust and humiliation that I felt having to go through that still with just the courage to speak up. I knew that there were so many other sisters that didn't have the resources to get what they needed. They didn't have the strength to fight. I knew that I needed to do something about it. And when I came home, started organizing and speaking to other formerly incarcerated women, they were saying the same things. How can something that is part of our makeup, our humanity - why would we have to quantify cycles, have to purchase menstrual products in a system that's already deemed and already built to be inhumane? Aine10:17 I think inhumane is the perfect word to use when describing the experiences that these women had to endure. The shame, trauma, and abuse of basic human rights is just shocking. The stories don't stop there. Menstruation is part of the issue. But the bigger problem is how reproductive health in general is handled in prisons. Topeka K. Sam  10:44 When I think about prison, and I think about these systems, and I think about all the shame and pain that comes to it, it also allows me to think about all the resilience and the fight. Naquasia Pollard  10:55  So I was 19 years old when I got arrested, and I had my daughter while I was incarcerated. After I had her, I was transported to the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. I say transported because I went against my will. I wanted more than anything to be with my daughter. I was only 21 years old, and I was told that I had fibroids, I didn't know what it was, what it meant to have fibroids, what were the side effects, etc. When I learned from a gynecologist that was a man while I was incarcerated at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, he suggested that I get a hysterectomy. They did not want to give me the adequate sanitary napkins, hygiene products to accommodate my heavy menstrual. I went back and forth with the health administration for several years, over five, seven years debating on should I remove my womb. And I was only 21 years old, which was a problem for me. So my other alternative was to either suffer through the pain and wait until I was released or get a hysterectomy. I said no to the hysterectomy and I suffered my whole incarceration with my menstrual. I was soiled through my clothes. It was dehumanizing as a woman. And majority of the women that I had to engage with regarding my menstrual were not sensitive to my needs and were not willing to provide me with the adequate service in order for me to not suffer. As women, they allowed me to suffer. And that's what our criminal justice system does to women that may have abnormal body functions and they still don't have any sympathy for a woman that suffering in the institution. [They] just rather you not be able to reproduce no matter what color you are, because you're just seen as what they call an inmate, and they feel that you don't have any morals or standards. So why should you care to have a child? Cass Severe12:58 I come from being from incarcerated and having my menstrual in prison is a very sickening truth. Just to deal with my menstrual health as a female prisoner gaining access to menstrual products was exceedingly difficult. I didn't have reliable access to pads and tampons. My menstruation was, as I described it, to be a harrowing, shame-inducing experience. As I recall, [we would] place orders weekly in advance. And with that, a lot of mistakes would arise along the way, which we know being formerly incarcerated, you have to expect the unexpectable. So that was fairly common, that you didn't get your products as expeditiously as you needed it. On top of that most women, including myself in prison, were poor, and we didn't have access to money. Some of us didn't have access to money outside of prison. So ordering products became a financial hardship at times, even tampons or pads being marked up prices. So they would inflate the cost and make it even more hard to obtain. Sometimes I remember it being as much as $5 to $6 at a time.  Cass Severe14:20 We couldn't afford it. So we would have to kind of barter, you know. And if you were unliked, so if you didn't have people that, you know, had your back, you were basically out of luck. And that was hard in itself. There were times where even the commissary process was very difficult just trying to get your products in on time. There was a host of different events that made this experience very disturbing for me even down to, like, you know, size, and now it's not. All women come in different shapes and forms. And you know, just having the fact that I might be a heavier bleeder than the next young lady, but they don't really care about those things. Individualism doesn't matter. So it's basically one size fits all. But in contrary, that's not the case. So you just have to make do with what you have.  Cass Severe15:09 I remember telling [the guard] one day, like, I don't have any more menstrual pads left, you know, and I literally could feel me bleeding through my clothes. And he said condescendingly, sarcastically, like, "Hah, go ahead, you know, bleed right through your clothes, I don't care." When I did bleed through my clothes, ultimately, you know, just having the guard make fun of me during that time, and it just, I just realized that I wasn't the only one that went through that, you know. I witnessed my peers, it happened to them. And I just realized that this is the real problem. They just treated us women poorly, collectively. It's not just the lack of supplies for us women, it was just the lack of empathy. And I remember thinking like, “Wow, if only these guards could be trained on how to be humane and have some empathy.” And, if they knew how to treat us properly, like individuals, it could go a longer way.  Cass Severe16:09 Well, it would be remiss for me if I didn't mention that, because of that experience with the pads, I never wore pads again. It didn't dawn on me, like, why did you stop wearing menstrual pads? It was because of prison. Because of that experience of being laughed at. I just got sick, sick of pads. So I had to use tampons, because it just kind of retriggers me from that day. And I remember being in solitary confinement. And that was even worse. And I remember spending about 21 days in confinement and you know, in confinement, you're only given maybe a shower, a week, no water and all that. And I smelled so bad, because I had my menstrual cycle during my time in solitary confinement. And I just remember one night, I had to sleep with my arms over my head because I smelled so, my own stench was so repulsive, that I was trying to figure out how can I sleep to even just manage to be able to get through the night? Stuff like that, because it's impossible, it's nearly impossible to keep clean in prison, you know, and that gave me bouts of depression, feelings of self-loathing, and a lot of isolation because of that, and I didn't want to engage with the rest of the population because I literally felt sick. When my menstrual came around, I would literally feel sick, and I would isolate myself until the seven days was over. And that's how I coped. Aine17:37 After Topeka had this experience when incarcerated, she knew she had to do something. So when she was released from prison, she put the wheels in motion to start Ladies of Hope Ministries. Topeka K. Sam 17:52 We began to work with Senator Booker and Senator Warren, at first on the federal level to draft what was called the Dignity for Incarcerated Women bill. And what that did was start a national conversation around making sure that women had personal hygiene products, free of charge to them at no cost, and making sure that women were no longer shackled during child labor, and making sure that women had the opportunity to be within a certain proximity to each other. And in that work, as I started going around the country, women in each state were feeling the same way. And I began to work with the #cut50 national organization, which is now called Dream Court Justice, to elevate and bring awareness to the issues that women were facing called Dignity for Incarcerated Women. Topeka K. Sam  18:39 I was the director of that campaign and I had the great privilege of working with women from all over the country. We've passed over 12 pieces of legislation statewide, making sure that women have personal hygiene products at no cost to them. And making sure that women are no longer shackled during child labor. We were able to get those provisions put into the Dignity Legislation on a federal level. And so it was the lived experience of not only myself, but also those sisters that were also incarcerated, that helped me to think through ways that we could lead change in this country. Anyone can make a mistake that can land them to a situation such as prison. And while you're there, you would not want to be treated worse.  Topeka K. Sam  19:26 When you think about the prison system and those who are in and, you know, the lack of access to bail or unable to pay bail. And the 'why' people are consistently in and out based on cyclical violations of parole, how people are ripped from their children and in the middle of a global pandemic, you know, our sisters are suffering. And even when there's been legislation that has been passed, we saw it in Florida, where there was legislation to Dignity Bills passed and still they shackled a woman during child labor. And where recently they just awarded a woman $200,000 as compensation for being shackled, as if that was enough.  Topeka K. Sam  20:07  But trust that, you know, that we all have these dark stories, and these dramatic stories and the things that they bring up, but it's these stories that are going to help people to understand what is happening in this country right now.  Topeka K. Sam  20:25 And so the mission of the Ladies of Hope Ministries is to end poverty and incarceration of women and girls. And we look at doing that through two buckets of work: direct services and sustainability, and policy and advocacy. And what we know is that a person cannot speak up for themselves, they cannot think about changing policy, they cannot even think about saying no to an abuser, if their basic human rights are not met for us, which are: safe housing, healthy food, and employment or career development.  Topeka K. Sam  21:01 And so we created Hope House, the safe housing space for women and girls. Our Angel Food Project taps on addressing food insecurity when we partner with Instacart. And through them Wegmans, Fairway Markets, Costco, Whole Foods and other supermarkets, where we pass out fresh bags of donations of food every single day. We also have our Pathways 4 Equity, which is a partnership with Virgin Unite, where we're looking to make sure that women have an opportunity to transform their lives through access to sustainable employment.  Topeka K. Sam  21:33 And then our policy and advocacy work, as I stated, working with Dream Corps to make sure that we pass legislation around the conditions of confinement. But we also worked on parole and probation reform around parole, probation accountability project, making sure that people know what their rights are while they're under supervision. So that not only they are held accountable, but also the systems that actually surveil them are also held accountable, helping people get early termination of sentences, get off probation and parole early, and help them to begin to move forward with their lives.  Topeka K. Sam  22:05 You know, what I do know, right now, doing this work and talking about menstrual health equity, is that reproductive health and health equity in our communities is something that's not there. And so we have exciting programs that are also partnering up with different companies and organizations around legislation that we've already passed, and how are we making sure that we're getting opportunities like training women on how to be birth doulas and death doulas while they're incarcerated for the sisters that are actually there.  Topeka K. Sam  22:40 And also, every time we do a new program or project, we're looking at ways to create equity and equitable opportunities. And so how do we set up a woman so she can create her own business, and be able to use that? That's why we have our Faces of Women in Prison Project. We've trained women in how they use their voice to tell their stories, but also get paid as public speakers. Because it is incredibly important that people understand that their stories are valuable. It's incredibly important that people understand that as they share these experiences, that they are the experts in the space. And as experts, they should be compensated as such. And so it's been an incredible journey in order to do this work from my release from prison in 2015. And it's these factors from my direct lived experience that has allowed me to continue to move forward. Aine 23:32 I want to sincerely thank Topeka, Naquasia, and Cass for sharing their stories. I can't imagine how tough it is to relive those experiences. And I so admire that they're doing so to bring light to this issue, so that others won't have to go through what they've been through. Thank you for tuning into this special episode of Pandora's Box.

This week in honor of International Women's Day, we're taking up menstruation rights on Times Will Tell, the weekly podcast from The Times of Israel, and speaking with Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, the co-founder of the advocacy group, Period Equity (https://www.periodequity.org/). Weiss-Wolf is a lawyer and the vice president and the inaugural women and democracy fellow of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. Her work focuses on gender, politics— and menstruation, including the ongoing campaign to squash the “tampon tax” in all 50 United States. She speaks about the need for discrete, open-access to menstrual products for all those who need them, including the growing transgender population. For many, the financial burden of purchasing these products presents a dilemma -- food for the family, or a hygienic means of disposing of bodily fluids. Weiss-Wolf's 2017 book “Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity” is great fun to read and incredibly enlightening. (Spoiler: Walt Disney even had a finger in the period pie.) We have a frank conversation about menstruation and its role -- or lack thereof -- in popular culture.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this second episode in the We Should Talk About Women Celebration, The Two Jess(es) sit down with Holly Seibold, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization BRAWS (Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters). BRAWS provides pads, tampons, bras and underwear to shelters, schools, prisons, and food pantries to women who may need them. But more than feminine hygiene products, Holly and her team provides women with dignity around a subject that still makes people so uncomfortable. Yet it is one of the simplest problems to solve. Holly educates Jess and Jess on the issues around Period Poverty and Menstrual Equity- something that really needs to be spotlighted in the COVID times we are living in right now. Holly's commitment and passion for equal rights for women who menstruate is inspiring and motivating, and exactly the kind of spirit that IS what the international woman is all about. Meet Holly Siebold!Holly Seibold is the Founder and Executive Director of BRAWS: Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters. In partnership with generous individuals, foundations, and businesses in the community, Holly and her team of dedicated staff and volunteers have distributed over two million period products and undergarments to women and girls in crisis. In a little more than five years, Holly has built one of the most recognized local nonprofit organizations in the DC region. Holly began her career in the nonprofit sector before becoming an educator in the public school system. Transitioning from the classroom to a small business owner in 2010, Holly launched a successful educational firm, offering STEM consulting services and educational programs to clients. Holly is a fierce advocate for women's rights, testifying in Washington, DC and Richmond in favor of the repeal of the tampon tax and an increased access to menstrual supplies for all girls and women in shelters, schools, jails, and prisons. Holly’s advocacy led to the successful passage of DC Law 21-201 (The Feminine Hygiene and Diapers Sales Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2016), the 2019 Virginia Senate Bill 1715 (The Dignity Act), and the 2020 Virginia House Bill 405 - mandating menstrual supplies in school bathrooms. Holly also is a co-founder of the Virginia Menstrual Equity Coalition (VMEC), a statewide coalition that mobilizes supporters to collectively take action on the injustice of menstrual inequity. As a result of these efforts and more, Virginia’s General Assembly passed the 2018 House Bill 83 unanimously, requiring correctional facilities to provide menstrual supplies on demand and at no charge to inmates. Holly describes the evolution of this bill in her published piece, “Free to Bleed: Virginia House Bill 83 and the Dignity of Menstruating Inmates,” in Volume 22 of the University of Richmond’s Public Interest Law Review. Exposing issues that much too often remain in the dark, Holly has educated the public on solutions to problems that result from inequity. She has participated in several prominent panels, including Netroots Nation 2018, “Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy” and Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), “The Case for Menstrual Equity: How Policies Surrounding Menstruation Affect Outcomes for Women.” She has also presented a TedX Talk on this very issue. Holly has also been featured in multiple national and local media outlets, but most notably in the Washington Post article, "The Once-Whispered Topic of Women's Menstruation Now Has Political Cachet." Holly proudSupport the show (http://www.paypal.com)

As a former business consultant helping other companies thrive early on in her career, Carly grew eager to bring about change closer to home. Following her BBA at Emory University's Goizueta Business School and three years in IBM's Global Business Services practice, she decided to pursue her passion for design through Georgia Tech's Industrial Design Master's program where her idea for Strapt eventually took root. Through her own personal experiences and a growing awareness of the menstrual inequity many young women face, she grew determined to apply her passions for both entrepreneurship and design to expanding access to menstrual products. She's dedicated and excited to grow Strapt and achieve this mission through forward-thinking innovation in the world of feminine hygiene.   Chat Highlights Why do you think traditional tampon dispensers have gone on for so long without a much-needed 21st-century upgrade? Given that over half our world's population has to deal with feminine hygiene accessibility at multiple points in their lives, where do you start in order to eventually scale your IoT solution into this enormous market? What is Strapt Vending's key value proposition to both facilities and feminine hygiene brands? Why did you decide to leave your corporate career to become an entrepreneur and attack this problem specifically? What have been the biggest lessons learned thus far since starting Strapt and what's your long term vision going forward? Get In Touch Visit StraptVending.com Follow Strapt on Instagram Follow Carly Simenauer on LinkedIn   Presented By Inspiredu: Nonprofit Leaders Bridging The Digital Divide | Atlanta, GA AppBarry: Custom Web And Mobile Application Development | Atlanta, GA Classic City Consulting: WordPress Website Development | Atlanta, GA Stratfield Consulting: Consulting, Staffing, Recruiting | Atlanta, GA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cait and Aine travel to the Mathare slum in Nairobi and speak to girls struggling to get a proper education because of the barriers they face with menstruation. We also look at period poverty and its effect on individuals in the Western world. Thousands of students in the UK lack the resources to manage basic menstrual hygiene and as a result are denied equal learning opportunities. We're facing an important yet often ignored health crisis. Pandora's Box is also an award winning feature length documentary. To find out where the film is currently available to watch, visit Pandorasboxthefilm.com. Produced in partnership with Diva International (Makers of the DivaCup) and Media One Creative. 

Where did this oppression start and why does it still continue today? We dive deeper into the history of female hysteria and the age-old notion: that a woman's uterus makes her crazy. Pandora's Box is also an award winning feature length documentary. Please go to Pandorasboxthefilm.com to find out where you can watch the film. Produced in partnership with Diva International (Makers of the DivaCup and Media One Creative) 

Let’s talk about periods! Period poverty affects millions of people all over the world, but we rarely talk about it. Because there’s so much shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, people who can’t afford period products—whether in schools, prisons, or in their daily lives—are often left with nowhere to turn for help. But, thanks to activists and advocates like the guests featured in this episode, that’s changing. You’ll meet Leah Rodriguez, a journalist who covers period poverty globally; Breanna and Brooke Bennett, 12-year-old sisters who started a nonprofit to promote menstrual equity in their community; and Dr. LaToya Clark, a physician committed to making sure every young person who has a period knows how to take care of their body. Let’s put an end to period stigma, once and for all! ### Stuff We Talked About on This Episode * [Leah Rodriguez Twitter](https://twitter.com/leahrod) * [Global Citizen](https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/) * ["US Government Acknowledges Period Products Are Necessities in COVID-19 Stimulus Bill"](https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cares-act-covid-19-menstrual-products-fsa-hsa/) * [Pandora’s Box: Lifting the Lid on Menstruation](https://www.pandorasboxthefilm.com) * [Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity](https://www.periodequity.org/book-1) * [I Support the Girls](https://isupportthegirls.org) * [Women In Training](https://www.womenintraining.org) * [WIT Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WITKITS/) * [WIT Twitter](https://twitter.com/womenintrainin1) * [WIT Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wit.womenintraining/) * [Menstrual Hygiene Day](https://menstrualhygieneday.org) Support this podcast

Let’s talk about periods! Period poverty affects millions of people all over the world, but we rarely talk about it. Because there’s so much shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, people who can’t afford period products—whether in schools, prisons, or in their daily lives—are often left with nowhere to turn for help. But, thanks to activists and advocates like the guests featured in this episode, that’s changing. You’ll meet Leah Rodriguez, a journalist who covers period poverty globally; Breanna and Brooke Bennett, 12-year-old sisters who started a nonprofit to promote menstrual equity in their community; and Dr. LaToya Clark, a physician committed to making sure every young person who has a period knows how to take care of their body. Let’s put an end to period stigma, once and for all! ### Stuff We Talked About on This Episode * [Leah Rodriguez Twitter](https://twitter.com/leahrod) * [Global Citizen](https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/) * ["US Government Acknowledges Period Products Are Necessities in COVID-19 Stimulus Bill"](https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cares-act-covid-19-menstrual-products-fsa-hsa/) * [Pandora’s Box: Lifting the Lid on Menstruation](https://www.pandorasboxthefilm.com) * [Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity](https://www.periodequity.org/book-1) * [I Support the Girls](https://isupportthegirls.org) * [Women In Training](https://www.womenintraining.org) * [WIT Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WITKITS/) * [WIT Twitter](https://twitter.com/womenintrainin1) * [WIT Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wit.womenintraining/) * [Menstrual Hygiene Day](https://menstrualhygieneday.org) Support this podcast

This is a discussion we need to start having. #EndPeriodPoverty! Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Quaran-teen-101321351521316/?modal=admin_todo_tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quaran.teen.podcast.official/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/QuaranteenP Other: Voice Messaging: https://anchor.fm/quaranteenpod Website: https://quaranteenpodcast.wixsite.com/quaranteen Email: quaranteen.podcast@gmail.com Citations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DrJgmDre0kuoGjL2pPaIvYALfdgSg63plNSfCpoAeLg/edit?usp=sharing Thank you for listening! Join us on Friday! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/quaranteenpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/quaranteenpod/support

In today's show Lindsey will be chatting with Laura Blackburn, Director of Giving at Thinx period proof panties. They will be discussing access to menstrual care products and how we can have a sustainable and easier period. Then Lindsey will be giving a bird's eye view of a critical nutrition for a healthy period according to Chinese medicine.

The final show of the decade takes a look back at silly news and predictions. Assault Nerf Gun battle in Canada. Menstrual Equity demanded by ACLU. The Pod  

This podcast will focus on the legislative battle to repeal the sales and use tax imposed on menstrual products in California. Recorded by Elizabeth.

"Bleed Shamelessly" is having a rally in Madison for "Menstrual Equity". Sean Duffy is on to talk about President Trump's 2020 Re-election effort and the importance of earning our State's votes. Gov. Evers has created a "Global Warming Task Force" lead by the "Lesser Mandela" Barnes. Jim Ott, Assemblyman and Meteorologist, discusses climate extremism and the ever-shifting goal posts. Joe Biden doesn't have what it takes to be the nominee. Elizabeth Warren's is the front-runner right now. We take a look at her stated platform with Brian Reidl. Despite more money and less students, scores are awful and "Progressives" are saying it's because of racism and a lack of money. Ola Lisowski, Education Policy Analyst for McIver News Service. Students are protesting a black security guard that was wrongly fired because he said the "N" word while asking a student to not call him the "N" word. Cher has offered to pay for his lawsuit. Madison's DA Ismael Ozanne wants "Reformative Justice", and it's not getting the job done.

Jennifer Weiss-Wolf is the vice president of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law and the organization’s inaugural Women and Democracy Fellow. A passionate advocate for issues of gender, politics, and menstruation, Jennifer was dubbed the “architect of the U.S. campaign to squash the tampon tax” by Newsweek. Her 2017 book Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity was lauded by Gloria Steinem as “the beginning of liberation for us all.” In this episode, we talk about what menstrual equity means, how Jennifer became involved with the politics of periods, what you need to know about the “tampon tax,” why policy reform around menstruation helps to promote gender equality, how you can become part of the menstrual equity movement, and so much more!   To learn more about Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, visit the show notes.

What a wonderful opportunity and pleasure to have a conversation with NY State Assembly person Linda Rosenthal. Her Manhattan office is next door to Gebhards Beer Culture Bar and when she knocked on the porch window during a BCR recording -- we knew we had to invite her on the podcast.We talked with the SA person about her success at bringing "Menstrual Equity" to the state and her fight to extend the statute of limitations to prosecute child sex offenders. And we talked politics -- the shift to the left as the Democrats take over both houses of the state legislature. Linda is a life long Upper West Sider; so, we commiserated over the "corporatizing" of our neighborhood -- and much more.BCR #24 starts off at 5 Napkin Burger . Becky and I try to match Ira Glass's exquisite "This American Life" style. Of course we failed, but it was fun trying. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chelsea VonChaz is a Nonprofit Founder & Activist whose organization, Happy Period, is on a mission to reshape the outlook on menstruation while providing period products to low-income & homeless communities. In this episode, Chelsea shares the story of how she went from a career in fashion styling to founding her own nonprofit organization to promote menstrual Continue Reading…

Chelsea VonChaz is a Nonprofit Founder & Activist whose organization, Happy Period, is on a mission to reshape the outlook on menstruation while providing period products to low-income & homeless communities. In this episode, Chelsea shares the story of how she went from a career in fashion styling to founding her own nonprofit organization to promote menstrual Continue Reading…

On this episode of en(gender)ed, our guest is Amanda Laird, a Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ and host of the Heavy Flow Podcast – a weekly podcast dedicated to periods, reproductive health and other taboo health and wellness topics. Amanda is also the author of Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation. We will be speaking with Amanda today about her podcast and book and how casting our current policy responses to menstruation as human rights violations, and an essential part of our efforts to shift societal norms around women's bodies, health, and ultimately, our freedom and equality. During our conversation, Amanda and I referenced the following topics: The history of Toxic Shock Syndrome How black women's pain are minimized by the medical profession Racial bias in medical care What Serena Williams's scary childbirth story says about medical treatment of black women A story on the Rupi Kaur Instagram menstrual photo deletions Kiran Gandhi's post on why she ran the marathon on her period without a tampon Chris Bobel on "period poverty" and menstrual equity Our interview with Cat Song on measuring social impact projects --- Thanks for tuning in to the en(gender)ed podcast! Be sure to check out our en(gender)ed site and follow our blog on Medium. Consider donating because your support is what makes this work sustainable. Please also connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

This week on the podcast I'm speaking with Jonathan Hera, founder and Managing Partner of Marigold Capital. We are discussing the one topic more taboo then periods: money! Jonathan shares his incredible knowledge on impact investing through a gender lens, making investments in menstrual hygiene management (MHM), microfinancing and so much more.  Full Shownotes Subscribe to the Heavy Flow email list Follow @amandalaird on Instagram Heavy Flow is produced by: TK Matunda Music credit: Julia and Bradley of Home Studios Graphic design: Rachel Laird

Imagine your state or country eliminating the tax on period products and approving a menstrual leave act for workers. It’s happening in some places, but will it ever come to be in America?! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/happyperiod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/happyperiod/support

For this episode we're joined by Jana Girdauskas. Jana is a mother of two, a special education teacher and the founder of an amazing charity called The Period Purse, which provides menstrual hygiene to people who are experiencing homelessness. Learn about the ah-ha moment in her car that led to Jana learning about the issue of menstrual equity, plus the incredible way her two young sons have become educated about menstruation by helping package supplies for The Period Purse. Show Notes Love our work? Please check out our Patreon Campaign! Become a patron of the show for as little as $1 per month

Remember the shame of sneaking away to the bathroom in high school on your period? The fear that everyone could see the pad sticking out of your back pocket, or the tampon discreetly up your sleeve? Meg H dives into a story about a network of charter schools in Chicago that make it even harder for young bleeders. Spoiler alert: this story really pisses off the hosts of Vicious Cycle… and they weren’t even blecording.

On Today's ShowMillions of Zimbabweans lined up at the polls this week to elect a leader after nearly four decades of rule by Robert... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Last Update: Feb. 16, 2018 A few minutes before our weekly show on February 16th, we decided to not air this piece. FCC regulations prohibit any content mentioning "lower body excretions," and we decided to err on the side of caution. What disappoints us the most is that what this panel discussed was the very danger of silence, and how censorship on this topic has historically dismissed women's health issues. We hope that you enjoy this piece, and that sometime in the future, this topic might be discussed openly with less fear and less prejudice.

Join the Brennan Center’s Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, author of Periods Gone Public, and Malaka Gharib, Deputy Editor and Digital Strategist of NPR's Goats and Soda, to learn more about how this campaign emerged, why the issue resonates across party lines, and what is next for “menstrual equity.” Gretchen Borchelt of the National Women's Law Center and Congresswoman Grace Meng, (NY-6), sponsor of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2017 (H.R. 972), will introduce the conversation.          

In an otherwise treacherous political era for women’s bodies and health, activists and lawmakers are advancing a new, affirmative agenda – for the very first time, one that meshes menstruation and public policy. From tax reform to public benefits to corrections policy, periods have become the surprising force fueling a high-profile, bipartisan movement. Join Congresswoman Grace Meng, (NY-6), sponsor of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2017 (H.R. 972); the Brennan Center’s Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, author of Periods Gone Public, and Newsweek senior reporter Abigail Jones to learn more about how this campaign emerged, why the issue resonates across party lines, and what is next for “menstrual equity.”

In Folge 27 der Tonspur N geht es darum, wie Unternehmen mit den Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) umgehen können und welche Herausforderungen und Chancen sich in diesem Kontext ergeben. Nach dem Motto “practice what you preach” werden die Ziele 4 & 5 (Quality Education / Gender Equality), an denen die PodcasterInnen im Rahmen ihrer Arbeit für die erdbeerwoche bzw. FH Krems selbst arbeiten, unter die Lupe genommen. Weiterführende Links dieser Ausgabe: Intro entnommen aus “We The People” (for The Global Goals) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpqVmvMCmp0 pwc Studie zu den SDGs 2015 http://www.pwc.de/de/nachhaltigkeit/die-neuen-sustainable-development-goal-wie-entscheidend-sind-sie-fuer-den-geschaeftserfolg.html SDG Selector for Companies by pwc https://dm.pwc.com/SDGSelector/ Guardian Rubrik zu den SDGs https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/series/role-business-development 2. Nachhaltigkeitstag an der IMC FH Krems am 24.3.2017 http://nachhaltigkeitstag-fhkrems.at/ World Merit 360 (Konferenz in der UNO, September 2016) https://www.facebook.com/worldmerit/ Red Lipstick Challenge http://www.bushtember.org/letsfaceitperiod/redlipstickchallenge/ Menstrual Equity (free tampons in NYC) http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36597949