Menstrual poverty is a stigmatized issue within society, and is not often addressed by the public. Ashley Rodriguez, started the Period Project in November 2020 with the purpose to advocate and bring attention towards menstrual poverty in her community. Ashley’s fundraiser raised money to purchase menstrual products for women’s shelters in Northern Virginia.
Ashley Rodriguez, a level 2 AASuccess student, raised $1,300 through social media campaigns and donation boxes. All proceeds went towards local women’s shelters that were in need of menstrual hygiene products. In January, the Period Project donated pads, tampons, and liners to many shelters and organizations including Homestretch, Thrive D.C., A-Span Ending Homelessness in Arlington, Bridges to Independence, Patrick Henry’s Family Shelter, and BRAWS. Ashley also intended to raise awareness towards menstrual poverty, by increasing other’s knowledge about it’s dehumanizing effects in society.
“The Period Project gave me the opportunity to not only express, but also act on my concern for menstrual poverty. The amount of love and support that I received from both students and mentors at AASuccess, as well as my family and friends, was unexpected and very humbling. I felt empowered by my conversations with individuals who began as mere strangers but became wholehearted supporters as I informed them of the growing issue of menstrual poverty in our community. Being able to turn what started as an idea into a tangible fundraiser showed me the power and importance of enacting change to realize my passions.” (Ashley Rodriguez, 12th Grade).
The Period Project was one of the first projects in AASuccess that strived to help women in Northern Virginia. Ashley was able to pass down her knowledge about menstrual poverty to AASuccess students and push them to be more open-minded towards women-related issues. Her project had a long lasting impact on her community through donating feminine menstrual products and enlightening those around her. Ashley Rodriguez’s strong passion to destigmatize menstrual poverty and help the women in her community also further expanded AASuccess’s motives to help the underserved.
