A new group at NHS, the Women’s Empowerment Youth Organization, (WEYO), is planning a fundraiser to help supply pads and tampons in the girls’ bathrooms.
According to the website, “Girls Helping Girls, Period,” it is beneficial to have period products available in public girls’ bathrooms because in some schools the students aren’t allowed to bring anything to the bathroom.
Another more pressing issue is the cost of these supplies.
“13 million people in the United States menstruate while living in poverty…$100-$150 is the cost of disposable period products for one year,” according to Girl’s Helping Girls, Period.
In August, Connecticut passed a new law that requires every public school to have period products in the bathroom. According to Connecticut news station WFSB, Students should have access to essential supplies throughout the school day.
“We want students to be engaged in school. We want them to be ready to learn and not word about, oh my goodness am I going to have an accident at school, am I not going to be able to get the supplies they need,” said Janet Stolfi-Alfano from the Connecticut Diaper Bank.
For WEYO, this initiative is more than just supply and demand, but an act of unity.
“We the women of WEYO believe that the fundraiser regarding bringing in pads and tampons throughout the school bathrooms is important to show the immense amount of support and attention women’s needs have at Norwood High. It shows that basic women’s needs are heard and seen. Although it’s a small act, it will unite the women in our community and create a stronger bond within all of us!” said Jullya Pereira, student and president of WEYO at NHS.
In order to fund this initiative, WEYO is in the process of planning a bake sale.
“We plan to start a bake sale where sweets and goods can be brought in and 100% of the profits will be collected to buy various types of pads and tampons. WEYO’s goal is to provide care and enhance women empowerment in our community at Norwood High,” said Jullya Pereira, student and president of WEYO.
