#EndPeriodPoverty campaign enters third year in Jamaica
THE fight to end period poverty in Jamaica will continue in earnest for a third-consecutive year, as the main product sponsor, Always, has renewed its commitment to the cause, despite the novel coronavirus pandemic. The third leg of the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign was launched on International Women’s Day (March 8), in partnership with HerFlow foundation.
Tamara Thompson, general manager of Consumer Brands Limited (local distributor of Always), said it is extremely fitting that Always launched its #EndPeriodPoverty campaign on International Women’s Day.
“As we celebrate our achievements and how far we have come, we also know there is much more to be done. This campaign once again shines light on the issue of period poverty. Periods don’t stop for pandemics and the work to improve access to pads is critical.”
She continued, “Now more than ever we need to continue the conversation on how we can effectively help our girls and women. The conversations we create via our various platforms must facilitate understanding and upliftment, and create a safe space for persons to discuss the issues surrounding periods. We encourage everyone to get involved and help our girls and women.”
Founder of HerFlow foundation, Shelly-Ann Weeks, is grateful that Always continues to support the cause, especially in a time when more women are likely to become period poor.
“Since the pandemic started, the need has become greater, because many of the Jamaicans who lost their jobs are women. So it’s not just about providing for their daughters anymore — it’s about them, plus their girls. We now have to consider them in our efforts,” Weeks told All Woman. “It is great that Always continues to support the schools, and it is our intent as a foundation to ensure that we include the mothers of these girls in our drive to end period poverty in Jamaica.”
As a result, HerFlow is now gearing up to include health centres in its drop-off locations, seeing that many schools have closed their doors.
Always has committed to donating a total of 200,000 pads to 14 schools (one in each parish) and six women’s shelters/homes. The entity will also continue its promotional initiative wherein until June 7 this year, the company will donate pads for every purchase of Always products islandwide.
As part of the campaign, a host of social media influencers will be engaged to help increase awareness, educate and advocate for the needs of girls and women facing period poverty. This year’s influencers are Yendi Phillips, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Mekelia Green, Kalilah Reynolds, Sanneta Myrie, Natoya Goule, and Simone Neilson.
The global #EndPeriodPoverty campaign that has so far donated more than 30 million pads to girls in need.
