Did you know that nationwide one in four women does not have access to menstrual products? Menstrual equity is emerging as a public health movement across the globe. Advocates, including State representatives in Aurora, are fighting period poverty by authorizing public acts that secure access to menstrual products for lower-income households, as well as students in our public schools. The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is doing its part by providing free supplies to visitors and offering education through programming.
As part of the Library’s ongoing work towards equity, diversity, and inclusion, APLD staff members researched potential partnerships and grant opportunities in order to provide these products to our customers. One contact we made was with the U.S.-based ZamZam Foundation, an international charity whose goals include fulfilling menstrual health needs by providing supplies and education. After meeting with representatives, they graciously donated more than 3,000 products to be distributed. Likewise, the Pad Project is a national organization committed to overcoming “period stigma” by offering the Pads-Across-America grant to non-profit organizations, ensuring equitable distribution of menstrual products to our communities. “We are so grateful to the ZamZam Foundation and the Pad Project for their commitment to furthering equity in our community through their generous support,” said Eola Road Branch manager Krista Danis. “Thanks to them, we are able to offer these equalizing resources at the library, which is truly the foundational community hub in Aurora.” With their generous contributions, we can provide needed supplies to Library users so they can continue accessing our resources and spaces without worry. We know that making these products available in our spaces will empower visitors to take what they need to make their visit to the Library more enjoyable, or to help their loved ones.
To help educate and reduce the stigma around menstruation, the APLD recently was host to a Period Party with the help of Rush Copley Medical Center. Tweens and teens learned about menstruation and had their questions answered by certified nurse-midwife, Rebekah Ellinger. “There can be a lot of misinformation and we’re happy to provide the facts so that everyone who attends feels a sense of clarity and confidence in their knowledge,” said librarian, Flannery Crump. “We also wanted them to have fun! That’s why we included crafts and activities and not just a boring lecture,” she said. Participants walked away with important health information and the reassurance that the Library is a safe space to ask (sometimes embarrassing) questions.
With everyone’s help we can fight period poverty and improve menstrual equality in Aurora. When education is provided and barriers are removed, more participants have access to services within their community when they are needed. For more information on The ZamZam Foundation visit https://zamzam180.org. To learn more about The Pad Project and the Pads Across America grant, please visit https://thepadproject.org.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.