Menstrual Equity

What is Menstrual Equity and Period Poverty?

• Menstrual equity ensures equitable access to safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products, along with education and support.
• Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and basic sanitation facilities (like toilets and running water) due to financial constraints or stigma.
• The ability to manage menstruation with dignity and without stigma, while recognizing and addressing the challenges of period poverty and the negative impact it has on women, girls, and people who menstruate.

Join us for a special Menstrual Equity and Period Poverty presentation on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 5:30pm, at the Rockland County Legislative Chambers.

The Rockland County Menstrual Equity Workgroup was launched in May 2025 and is co-led by the Rockland County Department of Health and the Suffern Rotary Club’s Period Product Initiative (PPI).

Mission Statement: The mission of the Menstrual Equity Workgroup is to promote an understanding of menstrual equity and address period poverty in Rockland County.

Who we are: A countywide workgroup dedicated to addressing menstrual equity and period poverty.

Our focus: The workgroup focuses on improving access to menstrual products, providing education, reducing stigma, strengthening community partnerships, and advocating for sustainable policy solutions.

Workgroup Meetings: The workgroup currently meets one Friday a month from 10:30am-11:30am, virtually. New members are welcome to join!

Contact: RCMenstrualEquityWorkgroup@co.rockland.ny.us

• Resource Links:
  • suffernrotary.org/sitepage/the-period-product-initiative/welcome
  • period.org/
  • allianceforperiodsupplies.org/ncepp/
  • www.periodlaw.org/
  • mujeresandmenstruatorsunited.org/
  • www.hashtaghappyperiod.org/
  • www.daysforgirls.org/
  • isupportthegirls.org/
  • www.thepolicyproject.org/
  • www.periodpositiveworkplace.org/
  • goauntflow.com/
  • dignitygrows.org/
    
    
• Videos:
  • Cycle of Change: Why Menstrual Equity Matters | Sheona Diwakar | TEDxCumming Youth
  • The bloody truth about period poverty in America | Full Documentary
    
    
• Data/Statistics:
  • State of the Period 2025