Periods are that thing that happens once a month that no one wants to talk about. Here’s my question: why not? Why not talk about periods as though they are real things that regularly occur for so many women? This idea that periods can’t be talked about only does more harm than good. One example as to how hushing it up makes situations worse is how women handle having their periods while living on the street or while living in homeless shelters.
Not only are pads and tampons expensive, especially for someone who is living under harsh circumstances, but pads and tampons are also taxed as luxury items. A lot of numbers have been thrown around, but it’s been concluded that women spend $7 a month on average for these products. If someone had their period every month for 40 years, they have most likely spent around $3000 to $3500 on just pads and/or tampons! That’s not even mentioning the cost of things like Midol or heating pads!
I pay a ridiculous amount to avoid the negatives of my time of the month. I have that luxury when there are women in homeless shelters who don’t even have regular access to pads or tampons or even menstrual cups. When I thought this all through, I realized that there needed to be some way I could help out. That’s when I heard about Holly Sanchez’s period project: Power to the Period!
U by Kotex is a brand that I actually can put my personal stamp of approval on! They are working on something great called The Period Projects. It’s a program that gives a platform for women who want to help improve the period experience! U by Kotex believes in continuous progress and they are open to so many different types of ideas.
A great idea came from Holly Sanchez. U by Kotex partnered up with DoSomething.org and together, they are helping her idea come to life! What is that idea? Well, it’s a pretty simple one. She is challenging women who are able to donate a box of pads, tampons, or other period products every month. This sounds like a lot, but it really isn’t! The concept idea is that every time you go to pick up a box of tampons for example, you also pick up one to donate to a homeless shelter.
There are about 3.5 homeless people in the United States each year. If you think donating one box of period products won’t do anything, think again. It can help a woman so much!
Besides just following Holly Sanchez’s motto of buying one and donating one, there are many ways to help this cause. Text the word PERIOD to 38383 to find out about the other ways you can contribute! You can also visit http://ubykotex.com/ or http://dosomething.org/Period to gain information as well!
Just remember: periods aren’t fun, but a fact of life for so many women. Do your part to help those in need!
Power to the period!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, all opinion are my own.