Always rallies allies on the Hill, ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day, in support of Congresswoman Grace Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act – which would help systemically end period poverty in the U.S.

Always, the leader in global menstrual care, and International Paper, the leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products, are partnering to drive systemic solutions to help #EndPeriodPoverty. In the lead up to Menstrual Hygiene Day, on May 28, they organized an event in Washington D.C. to support Congresswoman Grace Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act. This bill would ensure that all young people have access to free period products at school, so that no one would have to miss out because of their period.

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Event attendees pack 500 period product kits to be donated to the local community to help #EndPeriodPoverty (Photo: Ian Wagreich)

Lack of access to period protection is often known as period poverty – and it affects people all around the world, even in the most economically developed countries. Here in the U.S., nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they didn’t have access to period products¹.

Since the launch of Always’ #EndPeriodPoverty program in 2018, Always has donated over 160 million period products to people in need around the world, including more than 50 million in the U.S., in partnership with organizations like Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. While donations can help people stay in school and improve confidence, donations alone cannot resolve period poverty as poverty itself is a systemic issue. The stigma surrounding periods can also make matters worse, preventing those affected from voicing their needs, and preventing potential solutions from being widely discussed and implemented. While several U.S. states have increased action to help #EndPeriodPoverty, 56% of society believe they should be doing more to provide free products to those who need them². If passed, Congresswoman Grace Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act would help do just that across the U.S.

“Millions of people across our nation suffer from a lack of access to period products and are forced to forego educational or employment opportunities because of it,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY). “As we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28^th, I urge everyone, including legislators, to support my Menstrual Equity for All Act. It is the first whole-of-government approach to address this issue and would help end the problem of period poverty.”

To further help raise awareness around the prevalence of period poverty across the country and motivate society at large to support the bill, Always is also partnering with actress and activist Jameela Jamil, who spoke at the event in Washington D.C. on the issue – watch here.

“I was shocked to learn approximately 3.5 million girls have missed school here in the U.S. due to a lack of access to period products³. That is far too many. When people don’t have access to period products, not only do they not feel protected, but it also puts their confidence, dignity, and education at risk,” said Jameela Jamil. “I am very proud to partner with Always and support their mission to help #EndPeriodPoverty. I encourage everyone to join us in supporting the Menstrual Equity for All Act to help keep young people in school.” To help, you can contact your elected officials here and ask them to show their support for the Act.

“Always has been championing young people’s confidence for more than 35 years, through puberty & confidence education, providing access to period products and driving societal change,” said Melissa Suk, Vice President of North America Feminine Care at Procter & Gamble. “When I entered puberty, I remember my own confidence shaken as I was unsure of what was going on in my body – wondering what products to use and feeling too embarrassed to even talk about it. Today, as a mother of a 6-year-old daughter, I am motivated to do more so she can enter puberty feeling supported and educated. To make this change for the next generation, collaboration and alliances with individuals and organizations who share the same mission will play a critical role in helping solve period poverty. We are thrilled to support Congresswoman Grace Meng’s bill and continue our partnership with International Paper and Feeding America as part of our ongoing commitment to bring about change so that lack of period protection doesn’t stand in the way of education and confidence ever again.”

To help address the ongoing need for period products, Always and International Paper – alongside congressional staff and Feeding America – hosted an event in Washington D.C. on May 12 to discuss period poverty, while packing 500 kits with period products to be given to the local community. Always, with the support of Jameela Jamil, will also be donating an additional 1 million pads to the Feeding America network of food banks. In addition, International Paper will hold more than 45 packing events throughout the year at its facilities across the globe.

To find out more, visit always.com/en-us/about-us/end-period-poverty.

Footnotes:

¹ 1000 U.S. females, 16-24 y.o., Research Now ‘17

² 4000 U.S. respondents, One Poll ‘21

³1000 U.S. females, 16-24 y.o., Research Now ’17 & U.S. 2016 Census

About Always®

Always®, the world's leader in menstrual protection, offers a wide range of pads, wipes and liners designed to fit different body types, period flows and preferences. For over 35 years, Always has been supporting millions of young people globally through puberty and confidence education, providing products to those in need and tackling societal barriers to girls’ confidence. Together, Always believes we can create a world where neither periods nor gender get in the way of young people reaching their full potential. Please visit www.always.com for more information.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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