As reproductive rights face significant challenges nationwide, Delegate Stacey Plaskett is taking action to address period poverty in the Virgin Islands. In partnership with Golub Capital, Plaskett has secured over $48,000 in donations to provide sanitary products and educational resources for middle and high school students across the territory, with checks presented this week.
Period poverty, defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education, is a widespread issue affecting millions of women and girls globally. In the United States alone, one in five girls has missed school due to lack of access to menstrual products, according to a study by Always brand. This gap not only impacts their education but also contributes to a cycle of inequality.
In a release this week, Plaskett emphasized the initiative’s dual focus on providing essential products and enhancing educational awareness. “Truancy among girls often stems from their inability to access menstrual products,” Plaskett stated. “This initiative not only provides the essentials but also includes an educational component to raise awareness about menstrual health, empowering young women to understand and manage their cycles with confidence.”
Nellie Varlack, an advisor within Plaskett’s office, added in an interview with the Source the importance of feedback from local school nurses and non-profit organizations. “We heard from several nurses that girls were missing school because they couldn’t afford these products or didn’t have them readily available,” Varlack explained. “This initiative ensures that students not only have the necessary products but also access to educational resources that help demystify menstruation and promote health and well-being.”
The initiative also resonated personally with Lawrence Golub, CEO of Golub Capital, whose mother conducted related scientific research. During a meeting with Congresswoman Plaskett, Golub expressed his deep connection to the cause, which led to his family’s substantial support. Kate Golub, Lawrence’s daughter, highlighted the importance of the educational component in their contribution, noting that empowering young women with knowledge is as crucial as providing them with physical resources.
The program, which will distribute sanitary products through pouches available at counselors’ and nurses’ offices, also incorporates educational workshops on menstrual health. These workshops aim to equip students with the knowledge they need to manage their health effectively, breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation and fostering a supportive environment within schools.
Local leaders, including Clema Lewis of the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix and Anya Stuart of the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas, expressed their gratitude for the funding and support. They emphasized the importance of both the physical products and the educational outreach in supporting vulnerable communities and promoting gender equality.
“We know firsthand the difficulties many of the families in our community encounter in providing period products to their young women, so we are excited to be a part of providing this much-needed support in the build out and execution of the Period Poverty Initiative,” Lewis said.
