Each month, as I stroll through the grocery store, I effortlessly gather items for my daughter and me, including pads, tampons, and pantyliners, without a second thought. These essentials sit next to my usual groceries like frozen vegetables and dairy products. However, many women and teenage girls lack this convenience.
Not all women have reliable access to menstrual hygiene products; some resort to unsafe alternatives like toilet paper, rags, or even cardboard. Nineteen-year-old Mia Thompson is determined to change this grim reality by raising awareness about menstrual safety.
Mia co-founded a non-profit organization, Menstrual Equity Inc., with her high school classmate, Ryan Lee, after discussing the challenges faced by homeless women during their menstrual cycles. Many of these women, lacking basic products, have had to use whatever materials they can find to manage their periods.
Through Menstrual Equity Inc., Mia aims to foster “fair access to menstrual hygiene,” advocating for a shift in the long-standing conversation around menstrual health. No woman should have to resort to using cardboard for menstruation management. With a bit of effort and awareness, we can significantly impact those who cannot afford sanitary products each month, especially young girls who feel embarrassed to seek help.
Reflecting on this issue has made me acutely aware of my privileges—something I believe many of us overlook. While we complain about mundane inconveniences, there are individuals who face dire choices, forced to use unsafe materials that can lead to serious health issues.
To date, Menstrual Equity Inc. has addressed over 200,000 menstrual cycles through product distribution. This achievement is remarkable. When I was 19, I certainly wasn’t actively working to ensure that other women had access to necessary sanitary products. In fact, it never crossed my mind that this was an issue. But it’s never too late to get involved. Menstrual Equity Inc. is poised for expansion and continues to advocate for both local and federal changes that support women’s rights to safe menstrual products.
For those interested in joining the movement, you can follow them on social media or visit their website to learn more about how you can contribute. Consider participating in a period party or supporting local chapters.
The world needs more passionate individuals like Mia and Ryan, who exemplify the power of community action and the difference it can make by simply providing women with essential sanitary products.
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s efforts through Menstrual Equity Inc. highlight the critical need for accessible menstrual hygiene products. By raising awareness and advocating for change, she and her peers are paving the way for a future where all women can manage their periods with dignity and safety.