Today we’d like to introduce you to Equity. Period..
Hi Equity., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Equity.Period. began as a small project to support our classmates and neighboring schools by addressing a need that many people were uncomfortable discussing. What started with a simple bake sale and word-of-mouth requests for pads and tampons has since grown into an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving thousands of people across the Kansas City community. Our mission to expand access to menstrual products and promote menstrual equity for all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges we have faced is changing the conversation around menstruation. Period poverty is a widespread issue, but because it is often considered a taboo topic, many people are uncomfortable discussing it or underestimate its impact. Another challenge is that meaningful policy and institutional change can take years. Many of the people responsible for making decisions about funding and access to menstrual products have never experienced the challenges of managing a period without adequate resources, making it difficult for them to recognize the urgency of the issue. As a youth-led nonprofit, we have also had to work hard to build credibility, secure funding, and demonstrate that young people can create meaningful change. Despite these obstacles, the growing support from our community has motivated us to continue advocating for menstrual equity and expanding access to essential products.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We provide period kits to schools and community outreach programs to help ensure that menstrual products are accessible to those who need them. Many of our kits include pads or tampons, along with personal hygiene wipes for added comfort and convenience. The kits distributed to schools are designed to fit discreetly into a backpack or purse, allowing students to carry period products confidently throughout the school day and wherever they go afterward. We believe that every teenager deserves to feel informed, prepared, and comfortable with their body. By providing these essential resources, we are not only addressing a basic need but also helping to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation through education, access, and open conversation.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
The most surprising part of creating our organization has been the incredible support from our community. While there are other organizations working to improve menstrual equity, few focus on addressing the issue in the same way we do. Although the journey has not always been easy, having the encouragement and support of so many people has been both motivating and rewarding. It also made us wonder: if period poverty is such a well-known and widely supported issue, why had no one addressed it in this way before? It is surprising that two high school students were able to take on a problem that has affected so many people for so long. That realization has reinforced how important it is to take action, even when a challenge seems too large to solve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.equity-period.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equity_period/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equityperiod/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equity-period
