AADC – Helping Women, PERIOD

Service Project Marked a New Way to Make an Impact

 Anytime | Anywhere

Thanks to all those in our alumnae community who participated in special 100th Anniversary service project in February 2022. Our AADC community of alumnae and friends made a difference in the lives of women right where they live. In honor of our momentous anniversary celebration, AADC 100th: Proud History to Bright Future, we conducted this first-ever, special month-long Service Project AADC – Helping Women, PERIOD.

This effort marked a new way that AADC is helping women, with the goal of the project to provide menstrual products to women in need.

Why is this important?

One in five girls miss school due to lack of menstrual products. In a survey done last year by the Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal, nearly two-thirds of low-income women surveyed struggled to afford period products at some point during the previous year. This global public health phenomenon affecting women and girls in developing nations and in the United States, is called “Period Poverty.” It refers to the prevalent phenomena of being unable to afford products such as pads, tampons, or liners to manage menstrual bleeding. Having to use cloth towels, rolled-up toilet paper, and cheaper, lower quality period products that are uncomfortable is a reality for many people who menstruate. Still others ration their products by extending the time they use them. We have no doubt that this issue, like everything else, has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as people have lost jobs and have been forced to do more with less money.

Another contributing factor to period poverty is the “Pink Tax,” which refers to the phenomenon whereby some goods and services cost more for females than males. Through governmental taxation of feminine hygiene products, women pay more, while some male-oriented medical care products are tax free. Some states have taken action to rectify this discrimination by extending the exemption to feminine hygiene products as well.

How We Did it: Reaching Out Within Local Communities

We encouraged alumnae and friends to check with local food banks and shelters, for example, to find out the best way to donate products during this project. Some brought donations directly to their locations, while others added to an online “wish list” for products needed. Participants donated menstrual health products like tampons, sanitary napkins and pads in a variety of sizes. This was done in communities and we did not collect products at the AADC.

It’s Not Too Late to Let Us Know That You Participated in Our Service Project

Our AADC 100th Service Project Subcommittee members and Service Project Chair Tynisha Coleman ’08 thank alumnae and friends for participating. Please let the AADC know that you took part in this important effort. Kindly complete and submit our participation form online if you have not already done so, click here.

Thank you and spread the word!