Did you know that in the U.S., 1-in-5 girls are impacted by period poverty? This means they lack access to basic feminine hygiene products and education. In fact, as much as 10 percent of American girls have no understanding of what is happening when they get their first period (Elissa Stein and Susan Kim, "Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation).
I am still haunted by the memory of one day in 7th grade when I had my period and asked a "friend" for help in the school bathroom. She went and blurted out the whole situation to a teacher in front of a class returning from lunch. The rest of the day, I could hear the boys singing their version of the U2 classic, but instead of Sunday it was "Friday bloody Friday."
Neka Arnold-Scott is the executive director of Hello Cupcake, a local organization that seeks to normalize the conversation around girls and their periods and end period poverty. Hello Cupcake designed a first period kit designed to break stigma and educate and empower girls regarding their changing bodies.
"Our mission is to empower girls with tools, educate them about reproductive health, and celebrate them as the transition from the challenging stages of adolescence," said Neka. In addition to the First Period Kit, Hello Cupcake conducts pad drives for local schools and hosts Cup Cakes & Conversation workshops to help parents and caregivers have the conversation around menstruation in a fun interactive environment.
On Sunday, October 10, National Period Day, the organization is hosting Cupcakes & Conversation for girls ages 8-12 and a caregiver. It will take place from 2-4 p.m. at Reign headquarters at 366 McDonough Parkway in McDonough. The event costs $25 and will include:
- Professional Presentation by a local nurse
- Cupcakes
- Live Q&A session
Hello Cupcake will donate a portion of the proceeds in collaboration with Justice For My Jewel Campaign to #endperiodpoverty. You can purchase tickets here.
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