We believe having free access to menstruation hygiene products is a fundamental human right.

That’s why we aim to provide free menstruation hygiene products to anyone who menstruates in the Lewis-Clark Valley, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. In order to understand why this mission is important to us, it is necessary to understand what Period Poverty and Menstrual Equity is, and why it matters.

Period Poverty

Period poverty is defined as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities and waste management.

- Shelby Davies, MD, Grace Clarke, Noreena Lewis, JD.

Period Poverty: The Public Health Crisis We Don't Talk About

According to the United Nations Population Fund, period poverty describes the struggle many low-income menstruators face while trying to afford menstrual products. The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability menstruators face due the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as pain medication and underwear…

Difficulty affording menstrual products can cause menstruators to stay home from school and work, with lasting consequences on their education and economic opportunities. It can also exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, pushing menstruators toward dangerous coping mechanism.

- UNFPA. Menstruation and human rights - Frequently asked questions

Menstrual Equity

“The most commonly recognized definition refers to the affordability, accessibility and safety of menstrual products. But menstrual equity is not just defined by products — it is also about education and reproductive care. It’s about making sure that people have the needs, support, and choices to decide how they want to take care of their menstrual health. And it’s about finally ending the stigma around periods that has prevented not only decision-makers, but also healthcare providers, educators and individuals from ensuring that menstrual health is a priority.”

- Women’s Voices for the Earth.What Does Menstrual Equity Mean to You?

Tax on menstrual products in the US ranged from 4.7% to 10% in 2019.

- Journal of Global Health Reports

Michel J, Mettler A, Schönenberger S, Gunz D. Period poverty: why it should be everybody’s business. Journal of Global Health Reports. 2022;6:e2022009. doi:10.29392/001c.32436

Through fundraising and donations by community members, we can work to end period poverty in the Lewis-Clark Valley.

Interested in donating to the Period Closet Project? Send us an email (spiritnightcoven@gmail.com) to

donate unopened items, or contribute monetary donations here.

Items we accept for donation:

Tampons

Disposable Pads

Reusable Pads

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual Rings/Discs

Disposable Incontinence/Postpartum Underwear

Pregnancy Tests