The Flow Initiative To Host Inaugural Red Tent Event on May 27

Today, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, representative of New Jersey’s 31st Legislative District, and The Flow Initiative - a national organization dedicated to eradicating period poverty and accelerating access to menstrual health products – announced the inaugural Red Tent event set to occur this Saturday, May 27, 2023. The event will take place from 2pm to 5pm at Audubon Park located at 18 Audubon Ave in Jersey City, NJ.

“Nationwide, the lack of menstrual health products continues to impact the most vulnerable in our communities and New Jersey is not immune to this growing issue. Access to menstrual health products and resources is essential to maintaining vibrant and thriving communities,” said Assemblywoman McKnight. “The Red Tent event creates an opportunity to educate members of our community on menstrual health, while also providing them with an update on the state’s legislative measures to pass new bills that will improve menstrual health access statewide.”

During the event, The Flow Initiative will conduct the first-ever period poverty and menstrual equity flag raising in the nation. Period poverty is defined as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management. While menstrual equity is defined as the ability to access menstrual products when and where people need them. As a result, the inaugural flag raising signifies a new chapter in New Jersey’s efforts to end period poverty, and achieve menstrual equity to ensure people have access to menstrual health products, education, and resources.

“Menstruation is often shrouded in stigma and shame, and The Flow Initiative aims to change this narrative through our programs and events such as the Red Tent. This is an opportunity for all who menstruate to come together and celebrate their monthly cycles,” said Eiko La Boria, Founder of The Flow Initiative. “I encourage all to join us at Audubon Park for an afternoon of engagement and education, as we discuss everything from menstrual health to menstrual equity.”

Founded by La Boria, The Flow Initiative is one of the nation’s leading menstrual health organizations that has distributed more than 1 million products to women, girls, and the LGBTQ+ community. La Boria works with her partner, Sabrina Browne to conduct educational workshops on menstrual health, advance menstrual health legislation, and partner with local and national organizations to reach those in need. Together, La Boria and Browne have made an impact from New Jersey to Turkey, working to achieve menstrual equity for all, and the Red Tent event is the latest initiative to bring the local community together.

The Red Tent event is inspired by the book by Anita Diamant, which delves into menstruation and pregnant women in ancient times. The book discusses how women were separated from the rest of their communities during their menstrual cycles and how women used the power of solidarity to overcome stigma and shame. This Saturday, attendees will have the opportunity to be in the ‘red tent’ as they learn about a wide range of topics including menstrual health, period poverty, menstrual equity, and maternal justice.

The event is free to attend and food will be provided to attendees. Event sponsors to date include Thrive New Jersey, Planned Parenthood, Completely Booked, Double Dough, Local Modiv, Love Locked, Goddess Ntwrk, Mooneca Mullins, CouldUCup?, A Petal to Peddle, Jersey City Women’s Advisory Board and the State of New Jersey.