ATLANTA – State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) announce the start of Period Poverty Awareness Week by the Alliance for Period Supplies, which begins today, Monday, May 20, 2024. Period Poverty Awareness Week seeks to bring attention to the financial burden of purchasing menstrual supplies.
“Period Poverty Awareness Week is a week that should be erased,” said Rep. Burnough. “Girls, young ladies and women should not have to struggle with the choice of going to school or work once a month because they have to purchase a necessary medical device. They have enough issues to contend with daily and should not be made to feel inadequate or embarrassed because they cannot purchase menstrual products. Take time this week to have conversations with the women in your family and plan how you can assist in your community. Georgia legislators, let’s stop taxes on menstrual products.”
“May is here, and it brings a crucial opportunity to spotlight an issue that affects many in our communities – period poverty,” said Rep. Davis. “Too many of our young people miss school because they lack access to basic menstrual products. This is unacceptable! Help us put an end to period poverty so that we can ensure that no one in Georgia has to choose between dignity and education. Let’s unite and put an end to period poverty.”
“Period poverty is more than the lack of access to menstrual products,” said Rep. Schofield. “For all girls and women, foundational menstrual hygiene education is equally important. This deprivation significantly leads to social, health and educational disparities. Those affected by period poverty face barriers that can lead to health risks, absenteeism from school or work and stigma, perpetuating a cycle of menstrual inequality. Period poverty needs to be made a priority everywhere! This week’s call to action should encourage legislators in Georgia to take lead and break the silence, which will raise awareness about period poverty and menstrual equity in order to ensure everyone has the dignity they deserve during menstruation. I stand firm that empowering every individual to have access to healthy menstrual care is not a luxury but a fundamental right. This powerful action requires all hands on deck.”
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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