Peach Tree Times

State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) have announced the commencement of Period Poverty Awareness Week. This initiative, led by the Alliance for Period Supplies, is set to begin today, Monday, May 20, 2024. The purpose of this week is to highlight the financial strain associated with purchasing menstrual supplies.

“Period Poverty Awareness Week is a week that should be erased,” stated Rep. Burnough. “Girls, young ladies and women should not have to struggle with the choice of going to school or work once a month because they have to purchase a necessary medical device. They have enough issues to contend with daily and should not be made to feel inadequate or embarrassed because they cannot purchase menstrual products. Take time this week to have conversations with the women in your family and plan how you can assist in your community. Georgia legislators, let’s stop taxes on menstrual products.”

Rep. Davis echoed these sentiments: “May is here, and it brings a crucial opportunity to spotlight an issue that affects many in our communities – period poverty. Too many of our young people miss school because they lack access to basic menstrual products. This is unacceptable! Help us put an end to period poverty so that we can ensure that no one in Georgia has to choose between dignity and education. Let’s unite and put an end to period poverty.”

Rep. Schofield added further context: “Period poverty is more than the lack of access to menstrual products. For all girls and women, foundational menstrual hygiene education is equally important. This deprivation significantly leads to social, health and educational disparities. Those affected by period poverty face barriers that can lead to health risks, absenteeism from school or work and stigma, perpetuating a cycle of menstrual inequality. Period poverty needs to be made a priority everywhere! This week’s call to action should encourage legislators in Georgia to take lead and break the silence, which will raise awareness about period poverty and menstrual equity in order to ensure everyone has the dignity they deserve during menstruation. I stand firm that empowering every individual to have access to healthy menstrual care is not a luxury but a fundamental right. This powerful action requires all hands on deck.”