Did you know that two in five people have struggled to purchase period products at some point in their lives, according to a 2021 study. This concept is called period poverty. And, this Women’s History Month, YWCA National Capital Area is collecting period products for those experiencing period poverty in our community.

Access to menstrual hygiene products is a right, not a privilege. As you may know, period poverty particularly impacts women & girls of color. According to this 2021 study conducted by U by Kotex®:

• A quarter of Black (23%) and Latina (24%) people with periods strongly agree that they’ve struggled to afford period products in the past year.
• 27% of all respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to access period products, with two-thirds (65%) of those who have struggled stating they lacked access because they could not afford them.
• Over one-third (38%) of low-income women report missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies.

In addition, in most jurisdictions, the SNAP & WIC programs DO NOT cover period products and most states tax menstrual hygiene products as luxury items. Learn more here!

This Women’s History Month, we call on you to learn more about period poverty and support our donation drive efforts. 

How to donate and support our efforts this month:

• Drop off donations at our office, 2303 14th Street NW, Suite 100, weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm. We will take donations for the entire month of March.
• Buy items from our Amazon wishlist.
• Make a monetary donation and we will purchase items for you!
• Join us for our women’s history education event at the end of March. Stay tuned for more details!

Suggestions for what to donate:

• Sanitary napkins (all sizes)
• Pantyliners
• Tampons (all sizes)
• Period underwear (new only!)

As always, we thank you for your support. Questions? Reach out to Sarah Graham at sgraham@ywcanca.org.  

In solidarity,

Monica Gray,

CEO, YWCA National Capital Area