Tackling Period Poverty: Continuing a Legacy of Empowerment
Location
Ponderosa Room C
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
Women's Studies
Start Date
6-3-2026 2:30 PM
Event Sort Order
44
Abstract
According to a recent study, 16.9 million women in the U.S. live in poverty, and two-thirds of them struggle to afford menstrual products (Sacca et al., 2023). This issue, known as period poverty, refers to the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, comprehensive reproductive education, and proper sanitary conditions. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight a student-driven, service-learning project aimed at addressing period poverty within the campus community by providing accessible menstrual products at UNK. Now in its third year, the project continues to thrive under new student leadership, demonstrating the power of advocacy and a shared commitment to equity and dignity.
Tackling Period Poverty: Continuing a Legacy of Empowerment
Ponderosa Room C
According to a recent study, 16.9 million women in the U.S. live in poverty, and two-thirds of them struggle to afford menstrual products (Sacca et al., 2023). This issue, known as period poverty, refers to the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, comprehensive reproductive education, and proper sanitary conditions. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight a student-driven, service-learning project aimed at addressing period poverty within the campus community by providing accessible menstrual products at UNK. Now in its third year, the project continues to thrive under new student leadership, demonstrating the power of advocacy and a shared commitment to equity and dignity.
Presenter Bio
Olivia Sheldon is a Biology Comprehensive Major at UNK who is studying to become a veterinarian. She became aware of this project through her roommate and has continued to help further the project. She loves all forms of art, going stargazing, and helping the people around her.