From raffle baskets filled with self-care items to candid conversations about menstrual stigma, Rollins College students Embry Burton (‘26) and Madison Proctor (‘28) are leading the charge on advocating for menstrual equity on campus.
The two-day event, scheduled for March 21 from 5-7 p.m. and March 22 from 1-5 p.m. in the Kathleen W. Rollins Hall Galloway Room, aims to educate the campus community about menstrual equity—the principle that individuals who menstruate should have equal access to menstrual hygiene products as well as a right to education about reproductive health.
“With equity, you’re working to eliminate disparities and give everyone the access to resources they deserve,” said Burton. “When we talk about menstrual equity, we need to hold that same image of justice, dignity, and respect, but as they specifically relate to menstrual health,”
A 2019 study by Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 64 percent of women are unable to afford needed menstrual hygiene supplies. Period poverty—insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities—is no new issue and impacts women across the globe. Individuals in poverty or who are incarcerated are particularly susceptible to receiving inadequate menstrual healthcare.
The two-day program will feature guest speakers across the campus community.
Friday’s speakers include Heather Surrency, Associate Director in the Rollins College Title IX Office, discussing menarche, stigma, and advocacy, and Sierra Mitchell, an ABA graduate student at Rollins College, presenting on periods and autism.
Saturday’s program features Anne Zimmerman, professor and senior lecturer in the English department, speaking on “Gen X vs. Gen Z: menstruation in American culture.” Following her will be Meya Martin (‘28), addressing maternal mortality and inequity in obstetrics. Finally, Grace Staudenmaier, youth and teen prevention manager at Harbor House, will be discussing the organization and its work.
Raffle baskets will be available for attendees to win self-care items, chocolate, jewelry, and off-campus activity vouchers. Free food will be provided throughout the event.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring donations in the form of cash, card payments, or unopened boxes of menstrual products. All contributions will benefit the Harbor House of Central Florida, a nonprofit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence.
“Achieving menstrual equity is important because it is a basic human right,” said Burton. “Whether it’s education, medicine, or menstrual products, it all comes down to the ability to achieve and maintain personal health.”
For more information, contact the organizers at lburton@rollins.edu and mproctor@rollins.edu or contact them on Instagram @menstrual_equity.
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