Momentum Grows for the Menstrual Equity Movement!

Jamie McConnell Director of Programs & Policy

In May, Women’s Voices for the Earth organized a rally and lobby day in DC about our right to safe feminine care products. Women from all over the nation joined us, including our Detox the Box partners WeAct for Environmental Justice, Black Women for Wellness, Turning Green, Period Equity, and the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, and our business partner Seventh Generation.

Since the rally, there has been a lot of momentum on this issue and it will only continue to grow as more women raise their voice for menstrual equity. In the last six months:

1. We launched a series of viral videos for our Summer’s Deceive campaign (please share!):
2. Procter & Gamble announced they would start disclosing fragrance ingredients in all of their products, including feminine care products!
3. Rep. Grace Meng has worked the Washington DC political process and convinced her colleagues on the House Appropriations committee to include a specific request to the FDA to respond to WVE’s petition on colorants in feminine care wash in an amendment to key appropriations legislation. She also succeeded in adding a provision requiring a report on menstrual hygiene product availability access in our international aid programs. The appropriations bills carrying these provisions have both passed out of committee and should be headed for a floor vote.
4. As a result of a request made by Rep. Grace Meng, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has directed all federal prisons to give women free tampons, pads, and panty liners.
5. Women in South Korea are demanding the government do more to ensure the safety of pads. As a result, the government is testing over 800 types of menstrual products and a class action lawsuit against a manufacturer of pads has been filed on behalf of women who have said they have experienced adverse reactions from the product.

All of this was possible because WOMEN RAISED THEIR VOICES! I cannot wait to see what we will do together next. Stay updated and motivated by clicking here.

Because toxic chemicals don’t belong in feminine care products. Period.