The Intersection of Period Poverty and Women in Business

One of the main focuses of the October NFBPWC E-magazine is period poverty, which refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, menstrual education, and proper sanitation facilities. Period poverty is an issue affecting millions of women around the world. This topic has not been as prevalent in discussions among business and professional women, yet it has a significant impact on women's lives, extending into the workplace. We invite you to start talking about menstruation and period poverty with co-workers, friends, and family. Consider how menstruation can affect productivity, absenteeism, and mental health in the workplace; add in period poverty and the consequences felt by both the employee and the employer are magnified.

There is a certain stigma associated with periods and menstruators can feel embarrassed, ashamed, and uncomfortable advocating for their needs. Organizations have the power to promote menstrual equity by normalizing periods and making resources available to all employees. Including period poverty as a corporate social responsibility, such as offering menstrual products in the workplace or distributing them to their employees to address period poverty can create a more inclusive environment for all.

At NFBPWC we are working to alleviate period poverty by starting an initiative to host a Period Product Drive locally with your BPW chapter, club, or affiliate. Consider extending this idea to your workplace or other community-based organizations. We are always stronger together.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. The Period Poverty Initiative is an idea that began with our Young BPW, Emily VanVleck. What ideas do you have that could move women’s rights and our organization forward in a positive way? Here is a link to our online Advocacy Platform, https://www.nfbpwc.org/Policy-Advocacy, review it and find an issue resonates with you. This is a chance to develop your potential, and that of NFBPWC, in a safe and welcoming space. Please continue to bring your ideas, projects, and your own light forward. Let us celebrate our successes as individuals and as an organization!

NFBPWC is truly living our theme for this biennium: Cultivate Connections, Create Community. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe!

Kind Regards,

Megan Shellman-Rickard
NBPWC President
2020-2024