Project EmpowHER Period Poverty Efforts to Serve New Group In Need

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 13, 2021 – An estimated one in four (25%) teens in the United States have missed class due to “period poverty,” defined as an inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools, sanitary products, and education. Committed to addressing the issue of period poverty, the Junior League of Oklahoma City (JLOC) has announced a donation of more than 5,000 period product items to the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). 

The donation was made possible through JLOC’s Signature Project, Project EmpowHER, launched in 2019 and now an allied member of the Alliance for Period Supplies. 

“When we heard of CAIR’s need for menstrual products for refugees relocating to Oklahoma City, JLOC immediately jumped into action,” Project EmpowHER Chair Zoe Butts said. “As part of our project focus to spread awareness about period poverty, we’re excited to support all our community partners through donations of hygienic period products.” 

Project EmpowHER’s donation to CAIR came following Project EmpowHER’s Fall Pink Week, dedicated to bringing awareness to those impacted by period poverty. In Oklahoma it is estimated that 1 in 5 (20%) menstruators between the ages of 12 and 44 live below the federal poverty line, impacting access to necessary menstrual health products. During this Fall’s Pink Week, community education regarding menstruation products and product donations resulted in JLOC volunteers packaging 10,160 period products for distribution across Project EmpowHER’s 14 community partners. 

“As a service-based organization it is incredible to see our members come together and help others in their greatest time of need,” JLOC President Ann Richard-Farinha said. “The Junior League is committed to creating invaluable impact through our community projects. Ending period poverty and providing resources to those who are just arriving in OKC does just that and more.”

Additional Project EmpowHER partner organizations across the metro area include Infant Crisis Services, YWCA, Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County, Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma City Public Schools, Homeless Alliance, Palomar, NorthCare, Bethany Public Schools, Metro Park Pantry, Period OKC, Dress for Success, and Catholic Charities. 

Donations of period products and packaging materials can be made at the JLOC Headquarters and online via Project EmpowHER’s wish list at www.JLOC.org.