Washington National Period Day Rally

OFFICIAL EVENT RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/washington-national-period-day-rally

On October 19, 2019, we will rally for NATIONAL PERIOD DAY — elevating the issue of period poverty and demanding real change to making period products more accessible for all and ending the #TamponTax. This is an inclusive rally! Whether you menstruate or not, EVERYONE is welcome. Bring all your family and friends! Bring posters! Wear red!

It’s 2019, and yet, 35 US States, including Washington state, still have a sales tax on period products considering them non-essential items. 1 in 4 women struggle to afford period products due to a lack of income. Considering Washington has one of the highest sales tax in the country, it effects many local female residents even more. In the first city-wide study on period poverty, it was found that 46% of low-income women had to choose between a meal and period products. Due to the stigmatization of periods, we don’t often think about what it’s like for a homeless or low-income menstruator to get their period, and don’t have open conversations about period health or solutions to period poverty.

We believe that it is a fundamental human right to be able to reach your full potential, regardless of a natural need – and what could be more natural than menstruation? Simply put – – MENSTRUAL HYGIENE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE. We are the Menstrual Movement — fighting for equitable access to menstrual hygiene, and breaking down the stigma surrounding periods. This fight is on ALL OF US, and we must TAKE ACTION NOW. Unlike most poverty-related issues, this one is solvable. Along with destigmatizing periods, we are calling for:

Clean and healthy period products to be freely accessible in schools, shelters, and prisons

Eliminate the “tampon tax” – exempt period products from the sales tax in the remaining 34 states. As Washington is unfortunately one of the states, it’s of the utmost importance that we speak up on how unjust and discriminatory the tax is.

PLEASE SHARE! There are rallies being hosted all across the US

If you’re interested in getting involved or volunteering, please contact washingtonperiodday@gmail.com or policy@period.org