Meng Introduces Resolution Recognizing Menstrual Hygiene Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize Menstrual Hygiene Day. The global observance, held every May 28th, seeks to raise awareness about period poverty. This year, the observance will take place on Saturday.

Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products, education and hygiene facilities. Currently, about 17 million individuals in the U.S. have reported a lack of access to menstrual products; 1 in 5 women and girls have reported that they've missed school or work because of period poverty; and 1 in 4 menstruators report struggling to secure enough period products.

Meng's resolution aims to increase conversation, awareness, and break social stigmas surrounding period poverty in the United States and around the world. The measure would also recognize the need to change social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene, and it calls for increased research on access to menstrual health management. Additionally, the resolution uplifts and recognizes the work of activists around the country working to combat period poverty, while also urging the enactment of laws to address the challenges of menstruators around the globe.

"Period products are essential for over half of our nation's population. It is unconscionable that some students must forego educational opportunities because they lack access to these items. We have to begin by breaking down the social stigmas that surround conversations of menstrual health," saidCongresswoman Meng. "Period poverty is something that affects all ages. Young people miss school, extra circular activities, and time with friends while adults miss work and time with family because they cannot afford menstrual products. That is why I introduced this resolution to continue to highlight the conversation around menstrual equity, and what we must do to end period poverty once and for all."

In addition to raising awareness of period poverty, Menstrual Hygiene Day highlights the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and the importance of talking about the subject to break the stigma over discussing period poverty. Menstrual Hygiene Day was first celebrated in 2014.

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