Every month, I stroll through the aisles of my local grocery store, effortlessly picking up all the essentials for my daughter and myself during our periods. My cart fills with tampons, pads, and pantyliners, nestled alongside frozen veggies, milk, and cheese. Yet, this simple act is a privilege not shared by every woman or teenage girl.
For many, access to menstrual products is a significant challenge, leading some to resort to unsafe alternatives like toilet paper, old socks, or even cardboard. Fortunately, 19-year-old Lila Thompson is determined to change this narrative. Along with her high school peer, Max Rivera, she co-founded the non-profit organization, Menstrual Matters, after hearing heartbreaking stories from homeless women about their monthly struggles.
Through Menstrual Matters, Lila is on a mission to ensure “fair access to menstrual hygiene,” aiming to shift the long-standing conversation surrounding women’s periods. There should never be a situation where someone feels compelled to use cardboard as a substitute for sanitary products. A bit of effort can vastly improve the lives of countless women who can’t afford basic menstrual items, especially young girls who may feel too ashamed to ask for help.
Reflecting on this issue reminds me to recognize my own privilege—and I’m sure many of us overlook how fortunate we are. While we might grumble about wanting to lounge in bed with chocolate, there are others forced to use makeshift solutions that are not only unsafe but can also lead to serious health problems.
To date, Menstrual Matters has successfully “provided over 200,000 menstrual products,” which is nothing short of inspiring! At 19, I certainly wasn’t advocating for women’s access to sanitary supplies; it never even crossed my mind that this was an issue. However, it’s never too late to get involved. Menstrual Matters is poised for growth, and they continue to advocate for both local and national policy changes that support women’s rights to safe menstrual products.
You can follow the menstrual movement on social media and engage with their initiatives by visiting their website. Check out this informative post about the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo for more on related topics. Another excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination is March of Dimes, which provides valuable insights.
We need more passionate advocates like Lila and Max, who exemplify how we can make a meaningful impact simply by ensuring that women have access to the products they need each month.
In summary, Lila Thompson and her co-founder are making strides in menstrual health advocacy, leading initiatives to provide equitable access to essential hygiene products for women in need. Their organization, Menstrual Matters, is a beacon of hope, challenging societal norms and striving for policy changes to support women’s rights.
Keyphrase: menstrual health advocacy
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]