Courtney Foerg – Contributor
This fall I am completing an honors project on period poverty and holding a menstrual drive on campus. I began my search for content on period poverty in August, 2020 and the search has been surprisingly difficult. Although people have been menstruating since the beginning of humanity, there is shockingly little literature out there. Ever since beginning my project people have asked for good books about the topic and I have had very little to give them other than convoluted and lengthy research papers. Little did I know the book I was seeking was being written as I completed my research!
Period. End of Sentence: A New Chapter in the Fight for Menstrual Justice by Anita Diamant was recently published in May, 2021. It explains the many struggles menstruators in our world face. Period poverty is “the lack of access to menstrual products, to clean and safe toilets, to handwashing facilities and waste disposal, and to education about reproductive biology” (Diamant 2021). Diamant skillfully explains the many implications period poverty has in our society while also explaining the rich history of menstruation.
This book is a great introdution to the vast ways menstrual stigma affects our society. Diamant expands upon the many hypocracies young people face during their first menses and the shame associated with menstruation. Though many of the statistics and cultural norms are discouraging, Diamant keeps it hopeful, making menstrual equity feel within our reach. Even if you feel well educated on the topic, Period. End of Sentence expands upon our current attitudes, exploring new traditions of other cultures surrounding menstruation such as the Hoopa tribe’s flower dance, a celebration of a women’s first menses that involve a community dance and ceremony.
If you have a uterus or know someone who does then I would highly recommend this read! It’s simple narrative and Diamant’s engaging tone makes it a quick read. As someone who never knew about period poverty until a few years back, it’s humbling to learn the struggles that 25 million Americans face every month. And, if after you finish this amazing read you want to know more, give my honors project a follow @periodpovertybg to find out how you can help end period poverty in Bowling Green!
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