Advocating for Menstrual Equity ​​​​​​​— Period

Menstruation, period cups and all things “that time of the month” — nothing is off-limits for Period @ Rice. From no-holds-barred speaker events and engaging social media and newsletter content to meaningful fundraising and advocacy efforts, the 100-plus strong student group makes their voice heard and leaves an impact at every turn. On a mission to destigmatize menstruation, eradicate period poverty and promote environmentally friendly menstruation, Period @ Rice aims to improve menstrual equity on campus and throughout the Houston community. 

“At our core, we focus on menstrual equity, but we’re also passionate about other timely and relevant health issues that affect women, such as the recent state abortion ban,” said senior Krithi Pachipala, president of Period @ Rice. “We’re  working to make menstrual products more accessible on campus through signage, supplies and financial support.” Last year, the group partnered with an organic period cup company to provide a free cup to anyone who wanted one on campus. “Menstrual cups can cost around $40, so that was a great opportunity for students to try out a more sustainable menstruation option,” Pachipala said. 

The affordability of menstrual products is a theme the group carries beyond Rice’s hedges too, as 1 in 5 teens struggle to purchase menstrual products or have never purchased them. Every month, the group hosts a period poverty fundraiser for a Houston health organization. They recently donated menstrual packs to the Montrose Center’s LGBTQ+ community and the Santa Maria Hostel, a substance use disorder treatment center for women and children.

Another issue the group is passionate about is addressing nonbinary and transgender menstruation. “Menstruators aren’t just women,” Pachipala said. “It’s really important to us that we use inclusive language and underscore that menstruation isn’t a binary issue.” 

Period @ Rice is always welcoming new members. “This is our biggest year in terms of membership,” Pachipala said. “Members can be as involved as they like — from volunteering for an event to joining the executive board.” This year, the group is looking forward to making menstrual products free and available in every public bathroom on campus, marking their greatest achievement to date.

— Kendall Hebert