Navigating the challenges of puberty can be tough, especially when it comes to menstruation. A 14-year-old student, Mia Johnson, from a middle school in Washington, has taken significant steps to alleviate some of that stress for her peers.
Mia, who is in eighth grade at Maple Leaf Middle School, experienced the frustration of searching for a pad or tampon in the school’s bathrooms, only to find empty machines. To make matters worse, one machine devoured her change. Fortunately, she had a spare pad in her backpack, but this incident ignited a fire in her to make a change. “I didn’t want any other girls to go through this,” Mia shared with NBC News. “I just wanted to help make their lives a little easier.”
While the school’s nursing office had menstrual products available, Mia recognized that many students weren’t aware of this resource. Plus, who wants to dash across the school to grab a pad when it’s needed urgently? She took matters into her own hands by drafting a petition requesting the school to supply tampons and pads in the same manner as toilet paper. Within no time, she gathered over 100 signatures from her classmates.
Alongside her petition, Mia composed a compelling letter to the school administration. “Why are tissues and toilet paper provided without charge, but not sanitary pads and tampons?” she asked. “Both are essential for normal bodily functions; the only difference is that pads are exclusively for girls. This means girls are unfairly penalized for something beyond their control.”
Mia’s proactive spirit didn’t stop with the petition. While waiting for a response from the school administration, she used her personal allowance to create baskets filled with tampons and pads, placing them in the bathrooms. To inspire her fellow students, she adorned each basket with uplifting quotes, including Hillary Clinton’s powerful remark, “Women’s rights are human rights. Human rights are women’s rights.”
Her passion for gender equality and social justice blossomed after taking a social justice course and engaging with the events surrounding the 2016 Presidential election. “Hillary Clinton’s resilience really motivated me. She faced so much adversity yet remained strong,” Mia reflected. “It taught me that even if I don’t achieve equal rights for everyone, my efforts to promote equitable access to education matter.”
Fortunately, her advocacy paid off. Just three weeks after submitting her petition, the school responded positively. “We commend Mia for highlighting this issue and are proud of her efforts,” a district spokesperson stated. “We have repaired the machines and now provide free menstrual products without requiring any coins. Additionally, we ensure ample supplies in the health room and locker rooms.”
Who runs the world? Girls like Mia.
For more insights into fertility and family planning, check out our post on the home insemination kit. If you’re looking for expert resources, the CDC offers excellent information on pregnancy and infertility. You can also learn more about the topic of reusable options at intracervicalinsemination.com.
In summary, Mia Johnson’s determination and activism have not only brought attention to a crucial issue but have also led to tangible changes in her school, ensuring that no girl has to face menstruation without the necessary supplies.