DENVER - March 12, 2021 - The International Advocacy Day to End Period Poverty (IAD 2021) is focused on addressing the issues of period poverty and menstrual rights. We envision a day of activism, focus and commitment to ensuring the issues and challenges faced globally are brought to the table. For too long, patriarchal institutions have prevented women, girls and all who menstruate from exercising their human rights, and dismissed the significance of period poverty from the political agenda. The International Advocacy Day to End Period Poverty mission is to change that.
A partnership between Women's Global Empowerment Fund, GirlUp, Sanitree along with the Linda Initiative, IAD 2021 targets period poverty through an intersectional and holistic framework. Our global network currently operates in Chile, Kenya, Scotland, South Africa, Uganda, and across the United States. Local teams initiate and program period poverty advocacy in individual communities.
Our advocacy is designed to incorporate educational and community-oriented activities alongside legislative lobbying and political calls to action, while maintaining a focus on those most vulnerable and the issues least discussed. Rooted in principles of empowerment, IAD seeks to equip everyone with the tools, information, and support to advocate for period poverty effectively, passionately, and confidently. Instructive resources, like the 'Inspire Activities Booklet' and 'Activate Lobbying Toolkit, outline various advocacy approaches aimed at those interested in initiating change in their communities.
Beginning March 8th, Americans all around the country are mobilizing around period poverty advocacy through legislative lobbying events and educational and community-based activities. In New Jersey on March 14th IAD is hosting an Advocacy Bootcamp and Call to Action lobbying the state government in support of period positive legislation. Texans are fundraising for menstruaters impacted by recent weather, collecting and distributing period products, and lobbying their members of Congress. In New York City, IAD is planning the 'Let's Talk Periods & Our Planet' event with Celeste Morgans, the CEO of the Days for Girls Nonprofit on March 15th to address sustainability around period products. Dozens of other global events can be found and signed-up-for our website: https://internationaladvoc.wixsite.com/periodpoverty
Our goal is to address period poverty's multifaceted consequences by increasing menstrual health, dignity and access to resources for all those who menstruate. Not only keeping girls in school longer, enabling women to attend work without fear, providing sufficient hygiene to women in custody, but ensuring that all who menstruate enjoy basic human rights.
About Women's Global Empowerment Fund (https://wgefund.org/)
The Women's Global Empowerment Fund (WGEF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 that provides women in northern Uganda with economic, social, and political opportunities. WGEF runs several unique programs that aim to build social capital and increase the potential for women's empowerment and success. For further information, contact Karen Sugar at 303.520.7656 or at microfund@gmail.com
Contact
Karen Sugar, WGEF
