Every month, I casually stroll into my local grocery store to pick up menstrual supplies for myself and my daughter, filling my cart with tampons, pads, and pantyliners alongside my usual groceries. However, many women and teenage girls lack this basic privilege, facing significant challenges during their menstrual cycles.
19-year-old Maya Greene is taking a stand for menstrual health. She co-founded the non-profit organization, MENSTRUATE Inc., with her classmate, Jake Thompson, after hearing firsthand accounts from homeless women about their struggles each month. With limited access to menstrual products, these women have resorted to using makeshift items like toilet paper, socks, and even cardboard in place of sanitary pads.
Through MENSTRUATE Inc., Maya is committed to ensuring equitable access to menstrual hygiene. She aims to reshape the conversation around menstruation, pushing for a world where no woman has to compromise her health by using unsafe alternatives.
It’s disheartening to think that in this day and age, some women are forced to rely on materials like cardboard against their skin just to manage their periods. This issue can be addressed with a bit of effort and awareness, which can significantly improve the lives of those who struggle to afford basic products each month. Young girls, in particular, may feel too embarrassed to ask for help, leaving them without the necessary supplies.
Reflecting on this reality reminds me of the privileges I often take for granted. While I may wish to lounge around with chocolate during my period, countless individuals face dire circumstances, using whatever they can find to manage their cycles, which poses health risks.
To date, MENSTRUATE Inc. has successfully supported over 200,000 periods through product distribution—an incredible achievement. When I was 19, I was unaware of the issues surrounding access to menstrual products, but it’s never too late to get involved. MENSTRUATE Inc. is set to expand its efforts and continues to advocate for local and federal changes to improve women’s rights to safe menstrual products.
You can follow their movement on social media and get involved through their website at period.org, whether by donating your time, hosting events, or joining a local chapter. The world needs more passionate advocates like Maya and Jake, who demonstrate the impact of providing essential menstrual products to women in need.
For those interested in family planning, you might want to check out our post on how to start your journey with a home insemination kit. It’s an excellent way to explore options for starting a family, and for more information on pregnancy, the Genetics and IVF Institute is a valuable resource.
In summary, Maya Greene’s dedication to menstrual health is paving the way for change, and her organization is making significant strides in providing necessary resources to those in need. This movement highlights the importance of addressing menstrual health and the impact it has on women’s lives.
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