Period poverty is a pressing issue affecting millions of people worldwide, yet it often remains hidden in the shadows. However, Tamara Abney, crowned Miss Pennsylvania, uses her position and power to shine a light on this critical issue and drive meaningful change.
Lights, Camera, ACTION!
Tamara Abney’s journey began with a simple volunteer experience at Bethlehem Haven in Uptown, where she first became acutely aware of the dire need for menstrual products among the homeless population. While donations of socks and blankets are common, menstrual hygiene products are frequently overlooked. This made her realize that combating period poverty starts with reducing stigma through open discussions. By talking about periods, as naturally as we talk about other hygiene needs, she helped open the eyes of others to donate more menstrual products.
Grassroots Movement for Change
As Pennsylvania legislation is moving forward with providing free period products to secondary school students, it is a significant and essential step toward combatting period poverty at a systemic level. Abney’s work also continues to move forward in combatting period poverty. Her organization, SisterFriend, INC, which was founded in 2015, has been diligently promoting menstrual health by disturbing period products to those in need and educating the community.
For example, the vulnerable population, specifically those experiencing homelessness, often struggle to meet their menstruation-related needs. A study conducted by Columbia University in 2021 showed that homeless individuals face difficulty in accessing period products. They also found that the homeless population often resorts to using rags or t-shirts to substitute period products. This lack of access to clean and safe resources affects not only their physical health but also their dignity.
Education
One of the key aspects of Abney's mission is education. Using her organization, she hosts workshops to teach young adults about their bodies and menstrual health. Education is crucial in empowering individuals to understand and manage their health confidently. It also helps them speak up about their menstrual needs, as teens may find it hard or embarrassing to consult an adult. They need reminders that periods are normal and every woman has one.
Abney has also written books such as
My First Period
The Period Posse
These resources are aimed to provide a positive and helpful introduction to menstruation.
A Policy Change
While grassroots efforts are vital, Abney recognizes the importance of policy change. As the wife of Pennsylvania State Representative Aerion Abney, she knows the need for legislative action. The proposed Pa. House Bill 851, which would provide free menstrual products to eligible school students, represents a significant step forward. Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which earmarks $3 million for this initiative, demonstrates a commitment to addressing period poverty at the state level.
The Future of Menstrual Health
Abney’s work has not only made a tangible difference in her community but also inspired others to join the fight against period poverty.
“We talk about taking showers, so automatically, we think of people needing soap, right? If no one is actually having the conversations about periods, it doesn’t automatically come to mind that these products are something that we should be donating or funding,”
-Tamara Abney
By breaking the stigma and fostering open discussions, we can begin to address period poverty and ensure that everyone has access to the products they need to manage their health with dignity.
As Abney continues to advocate for change, she hopes to empower young people to take control of their bodies and inspire policy changes that will provide lasting solutions to period poverty. Her story is a powerful reminder that even small actions, like donating a box of tampons, can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
Let’s join Tamara Abney in her mission to break the stigma and end period poverty. Together, we can create a world where menstrual health is recognized as a fundamental human right.
References
North Sider is using her role as Mrs. Pennsylvania to spread the word about menstrual health. (2024, July 8). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2024/07/07/period-poverty-pittsburgh-tamara-abney/stories/202406240088
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