Menstrual Equity Rally Held At UConn-Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Students and members of the community gathered outside of the UConn-Stamford campus on Tuesday to advocate for menstrual equity and the ending of period poverty.

The rally was organized by student activists and LiveGirl, and mc'd by UConn-Stamford student and LiveGirl intern, Asija Qyteza.

LiveGirl is a New Canaan-based nonprofit organization whose mission is "to prepae the next generation of diverse, brave female leaders with the skills, community, and connections so that all girls may thrive and make a positive impact on the world."

There is currently legislation (HB-5272) making its way through the Connecticut General Assembly that aims to provide free menstrual products in Connecticut public school restrooms, at public universities and in shelters, as well as expand legislation already in place for those who are incarcerated.

State Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford) introduced the legislation during the current session.

According to Farrar, 1 in 4 residents who menstruate cannot afford menstrual products. Worldwide, approximately 500 million people are impacted by period poverty, according to the nonprofit organization Days for Girls.

Farrar spoke about the importance of the proposed bill during Tuesday's rally in Stamford.

"We are making history here in Connecticut together, because we are making sure this session that no menstruators have to choose. No menstruators have to choose between food, between a roof over their head, between school supplies," she said. "You are braving the stigma and shame that has so often been a part of our lives as menstruators. That's why we're fighting for this change... We are going to make sure that Connecticut ends period poverty, and this bill is going to make that happen."

Qyteza testified for the bill, which passed through the Public Health Committee.

"I believe that free menstrual products in public institutions, as proposed in the bill, is a step in the right direction to achieve menstrual equity. Passing this bill will not only give menstruators access to products, but it is also essential to reducing and eliminating shame, empowering women and girls in our state, as well as creating a more open and understanding society," she said in written testimony.

UConn-Stamford student Olivia Beck said at the rally that growing up, her mother made sure she had menstrual products before she left home for school. That act of service isn't always available for other girls.

"Seeing that girls struggle each and every day to get period products and go about their lives has been truly painful to watch," she said.

Another UConn-Stamford student, Sabrina Uva, who is also the student government president at the school, recently organized a menstrual product distribution event to increase access on campus.

Several elected officials attended Tuesday's rally.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons praised students for advocating for such an important cause.

"I couldn't be more proud as mayor to see such devoted young people getting involved in public service, making your voice heard, on this issue that will be so beneficial to so many people. Never doubt that your voice matters, that you can make a difference in your community," Simmons said.

State Rep. Corey Paris (D-Stamford) said he was hesitant to attend, because he felt like it wasn't a place for men to speak on the issue. But he was told by friends that he needed to go, learn and lend a helping hand.

"We have to start making sure that women's issues, reproductive issues, menstruating issues, are the issues that are not just issues on economic justice, on social justice and gender equality, but are issues around fairness," he said. " And when we dedicate ourselves to fairness... then we are dedicating ourselves to fairness as a more just society which is most important."

Hubert Delaney, also a state representative from Stamford, said he was proud to support the legislation.

"One of the hallmarks of a well-run institution and a well-run government is handling the details that make the difference in peoples' lives," he noted.

Dr. Vida Samuel, a UConn-Stamford faculty member and LiveGirl board member, said menstrual supplies aren't luxuries, but necessities for the 1 in 8 women and girls who live below the federal poverty line in the state of Connecticut.

"Let's continue to do our part to end period poverty in our communities, cities, towns and this great state of Connecticut," she said. "Onward."

This story included previous reporting by Patch's Chris Dehnel.