Tampons.
Pads.
Menstrual Cycle.
Period.
Most might be feeling uncomfortable. Maybe an awkward chuckle slipped out? Well, No Taboo. Period. is rallying to end that stigma and raise feminine hygiene donations for those without during the first Don’t Stop the Flo event.
The organization No Taboo. Period. was started in spring of 2015 by junior cell biology major Dharani Krishnamoorthi along with a few others; however, she is the only person in charge of the organization this year. Inspired by N Street Village, a woman’s shelter, who lacked in feminine care, the girls realized homeless women pay for food to feed their family rather than buy a pad or a tampon.
“It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity and we honed in on that,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The main event, hosted on March 31 in front of Mckeldin, raised a total of 850 products between tampon, pad and monetary donations.
“Don’t Stop the Flo is essentially targeting the stigma around menstruation and how people don’t want to talk about the issue just because they’re uncomfortable around it,” Krishnamoorthi said.
No Taboo. Period. is partnered up with the D.C. Diaper Bank, an organization that works with over 3,600 families in the D.C. area. The organization donates mainly diapers but understands the need for feminine hygiene products and distributes those as well.
You can donate sanitary products in Mckeldin Library and the Health Center. No Taboo. Period. is working toward creating sustainable donation boxes in academic buildings and residential halls.
“We’re trying to increase people’s knowledge about women’s health issues in general and women’s hygiene,” said junior biology major Mina al-Salihi. “We also tell people about other options they can use when they’re on they’re menstrual cycle like the Diva Cup. We partnered with the Health Center to work with females to give them away.”
The Diva Cup is a reusable, bell-shaped cup somebody with a vagina can insert to catch the flow.
“People don’t have access to this,” said junior chemical engineering major Nivetita Ravi. “This is a necessity. I want to dedicate this year to raising products and eliminate the stigma.”
No Taboo. Period. is making waves raising donations for women in need as well as normalizing the period. Afterall, I wouldn’t be writing this and you wouldn’t be reading this without a woman’s period.
“Don’t stop the conversation,” al-Salihi said.
Katie Ebel is a sophomore English major and can be reached at katieebel@gmail.com.
