Ways to Support Period Poverty Awareness Week

Poverty Awareness Week is upon us (22-28 May 2023) and is an important moment for the ISSA to reflect on the progress made in tackling this problem in recent months. As an organization dedicated to promoting cleanliness, hygiene and public health, the ISSA recognizes this Importance of menstrual care solutions and is actively involved in educating, advocating and supporting legislative action to end period poverty.

In an effort to bring about lasting change, the ISSA has supported legislative initiatives across the United States aimed at tackling period poverty. In 2023, the ISSA has played an important role in supporting legislation signed into law in Arizona, New Mexico and Minnesota. These groundbreaking bills ensure the provision of menstrual products in schools and recognize that menstrual products are essential to the well-being and dignity of students. As a result of these recent successes, 16 states now require menstrual products in schools, and six more states have provided money for their purchase.

“We are proud of the positive impact of legislation endorsed by the ISSA. By advocating for the availability of menstrual care solutions, we are taking a step towards ensuring that no one’s education or well-being is compromised by a lack of access to menstrual supplies,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Director of Governmental Affairs.

ISSA and the ISSA Hygieia Network, a signature ISSA Charities™ program dedicated to empowering and retaining women in the cleaning industry, firmly believes that menstrual care solutions should be as accessible in bathrooms outside the home as soap, toilet paper and paper towels. The ISSA recognizes the importance of education in tackling period poverty and actively works with the cleaning industry to raise awareness of these issues. ISSA offers training programs that emphasize the importance of properly disposing of these products in bathroom facilities to ensure the safety and hygiene of all users. Be sure to check out the ISSA Best practices for menstrual care in public bathrooms for more informations.

During this year’s Period Poverty Awareness Week, the ISSA encourages everyone to join the cause and make a difference. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Promote the dignity of the times: Help reduce the stigma associated with menstruation by starting the conversation, sharing educational resources, and subscribing to relevant alerts and updates to stay informed and up-to-date on this topic.
2. Join our free webinar: This free webinar, taking place on May 25 at 1:00pm CT, will provide insight and practical ways to get involved in the ISSA’s efforts to end period poverty.
3. Contact your legislator: Work with your local and national representatives to express your support for legislation to end period poverty. Encourage them to distribute menstrual products in schools and public institutions.
4. Contribute to our cause: Your support of this cause today ensures that we have the resources necessary to effectively advocate for the dignity of the period.

Period Poverty Awareness Week is a reminder that menstrual care is an essential part of maintaining dignity, health and equality for all. The ISSA’s commitment to advocating for the availability of periodic supplies and its efforts to educate the cleaning industry community demonstrates the association’s commitment to addressing this issue. By coming together, raising awareness and supporting legislative action, we can work towards a future where period poverty is eliminated and every individual has access to the menstrual care they need and deserve.

For more information on the ISSA’s efforts to end period poverty, contact the ISSA Director of Governmental Affairs, John Nothdurft at [email protected].