This week the MN Legislature heard HF 2750/SF 3052: a proposal to require MN schools to provide free menstrual products from 4th -12th grade. See the Senate committee hearing from Monday where Elif Ozturk testifed.
Ozturk is a 15 year old Hopkins High School student who has a passion for issues ranging from gender, racial and educational equity. As she said to Laura Yuen from the Star Tribune, "It's time we change the stigma around period products."
These issues of menstrual equity are not just about stigma. In a national study commissioned by Thinx and the advocacy group PERIOD they found that 23% of students have struggled to afford menstrual products. Students of color, those who come from lower income families, and rural students were disproportionately affected. And, for many young women who can't get the necessary products, they are staying home and skipping school each month.
Elif Ozturk is our featured Strong Woman on KAXE/KBXE leading the way for all of us.
You can be like Elif and contact your elected officials if you have an issue you are passionate about. We heard from one listener this morning who was inspired to email us:
Elif Ozturk and you are such inspirations! Sincere thanks for discussing this subject on today's Morning Show. I so appreciate that you speak up about the needs, challenges and solutions for women. It helps all of us.
Following your interview with Elif Ozturk I sent this email to my Senator, Paul Gazelka, and a similar one to my Representative, Ron Kresha.
Keep up the GREAT work!
