#United States #Atlanta #Period Poverty #Menstrual Equity #Dignity Grows

Bridging the Gap: The Second National Summit on Period Poverty

In a significant gathering aimed at addressing a pressing public health issue, the Second National Summit on Period Poverty recently took place at Emory University's Hatchery Center for Innovation. Hosted by Dignity Grows, this sold-out event brought together influential leaders, researchers, and advocates from 23 different states, all united by a common goal: to combat period poverty and promote menstrual equity across the United States.

Period poverty, defined as the inability to afford basic menstrual hygiene products, affects a staggering 41.9% of American women and teenage girls. This issue not only impacts their health needs but also their educational, professional, and mental well-being. This summit served as a platform for stakeholders from over 80 agencies, institutions, and businesses to discuss solutions and collaborate on advancing integrated responses to this societal challenge.

During the two-day event, various speakers shared their insights and expertise, outlining how period poverty plays a detrimental role in education, employment, and overall community stability. Among the attendees were experts hailing from diverse fields such as education, healthcare, social services, corporate social responsibility, and grassroots organizing. This interprofessional representation was key in fostering multi-sector collaboration, emphasizing the need for research to inform actionable strategies.

Dignity Grows unveiled new national data shedding light on the realities of period poverty. These findings aim to deepen the understanding of how inadequate access to menstrual products affects daily life and opportunities across wider communities. This comprehensive evidence will guide future research and inform policy-making processes that can make a real difference.

Jennifer Tolman, President and COO of Dignity Grows, highlighted the summit's significance, stating, "This Summit is what powers the movement. Bringing together voices from across the country allows us to connect research with action, aligning institutions, communities, and funders around shared solutions to ensure everyone can manage their period with dignity."

The presence of voices from various geographic and professional backgrounds allowed for a rich exchange of ideas. Speakers and panelists contributed valuable perspectives on the intersection of public health, education, philanthropy, advocacy, and lived experiences regarding menstrual equity. Engaging in data-driven discussions and co-designed approaches, the summit aimed to accelerate progress towards achieving national menstrual equity and securing long-term economic stability for women and girls.

The summit not only spotlighted Dignity Grows’ leadership in this movement but also reinforced the idea that equitable access to menstrual hygiene products is a fundamental right. As they so aptly put it, dignity is not merely an act of charity but a vital foundation for community well-being and opportunity.

In concluding remarks, the summit reaffirmed the necessity of continued advocacy, research, and community engagement in tackling period poverty. The commitment displayed by leaders from across the nation indicates a robust movement towards ensuring that no one misses school, work, or life because of unaffordable basic hygiene items. By remaining connected and fostering collaborative solutions, participants left the summit empowered to implement change on local and national levels, echoing the sentiment that together, they can redefine what it means to address period poverty in America.

About Dignity Grows
Dignity Grows is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to abolishing period poverty by offering direct support for menstrual products, leading research initiatives, and building networks nationwide. Their mission ensures that no individual is left behind due to a lack of essential hygiene products, striving to create a world where menstrual care is accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit dignitygrows.org.