PeriodRVA is an emerging organization in Richmond. It’s a chapter of Period Inc., a nonprofit advocating for menstrual rights. PeriodRVA is fighting to end the stigma associated with menstruation, as well as period poverty on a community level. The chapter follows three pillars: service, education and advocacy.
According to PeriodInc., period poverty is defined as “the limited or inadequate access to menstrual products or menstrual health education as a result of financial constraints or negative socio-cultural stigmas associated with menstruation.” It’s a prevalent problem in the United States, as around 16.9 million menstruating people live in poverty. About 2⁄3 of this population reported struggling to afford adequate menstrual hygiene products. Through service, PeriodRVA gathers supplies for the community, which they donate directly to community centers, foster care facilities, shelters and local pantries.
Another barrier surrounding period health is stigma. According to PubMed, menstrual stigma is defined as “the negative perception of menstruation and those who menstruate,” as well as “characterizing the menstruating body as abnormal and abject.” Not only does stigma lead to lack of education, but also a lack of resources. Through education, PeriodRVA strives to eradicate the stigma associated with menstruation. The organization aims to hold space for people to share their menstrual journeys, to learn about period health and the environment, and to dispel myths around menstruation. Knowledge is power, and to share it means working towards the normalization of a normal and healthy thing.
Altogether, PeriodRVA advocates for increased resources, safety, and accessibility for those who menstruate in Richmond, Virginia. Recent wins in Virginia include the removal of the “tampon tax,” as well as the requirement to supply free period products in schools and prisons. However, there are still goals that need to be met. PeriodRVA’s objectives include expanding TANF, WIC, and SNAP benefits to include period products, providing free menstrual products in all state bathrooms, and requiring direct large employers to supply free supplies to their employees.
PeriodRVA partners with many organizations in the Richmond area to meet their goals. They host community events such as period drives and educational opportunities. This organization is open to recruiting volunteers who share the goal to eradicate period poverty and stigma.
PeriodRVA is a nonprofit organization I wholeheartedly support. I believe that menstrual health should be of equal access and quality to everyone who has a period. Big changes can start on a community-based level, and Richmond needs help in eradicating period poverty and stigma. This emerging nonprofit is on the right track to achieve these goals in RVA.