Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty: Dignity Grows Leads National Effort to Empower Women and Girls

United States, 28th Jan 2025 – Dignity Grows is combating the widespread yet overlooked crisis of Period Poverty, affecting 35.8% of U.S. women and girls. Through initiatives like “Hope in a Backpack” and pioneering research, the nonprofit is addressing the health, educational, and economic impacts of menstrual inequity, culminating in the 2025 National Summit to drive nationwide solutions.
In 2023, an overlooked crisis gripped the lives of millions of women and girls in the United States. While 11.1% of Americans lived in poverty according to the U.S. Census Bureau, a staggering 35.8% of women and girls faced the harsh realities of “Period Poverty,” the inability to afford essential menstrual hygiene products. This silent crisis threatens health, education, and economic stability on a national scale.
Period Poverty transcends traditional definitions of poverty, disproportionately affecting women with stable incomes and higher education levels. It triggers long-term health issues, disrupts employment opportunities, and perpetuates socio-economic instability.
Addressing this critical issue, Hartford-based nonprofit Dignity Grows is leading a transformative effort to provide essential hygiene products to those in need. Through its vast network of volunteers across 27 states, the organization delivers free period products to over 50,000 women annually, partnering with hundreds of social service agencies to ensure access where it is most needed.
“Period Poverty alters the ecosystem of socio-economic and personal stability for millions of women in unexpected ways.” said, Jennifer Tolman the President and Chief Operating Officer of Dignity Grows. “This crisis transcends our typical understanding of ‘poverty;’ nearly 40% of impacted women earn over $50,000 per year and 38% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. We must expand the narrative.” he added.
The organization recently launched its groundbreaking initiative, “Hope in a Backpack,” with its debut in Petersburg, Virginia. This program supplied every 7th-12th grade female public school student with essential period products, addressing the root causes of absenteeism and academic setbacks. This effort marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout designed to bridge equity gaps and provide critical support to underserved communities.
Dignity Grows is also pioneering research through the Period Poverty Institute of America, shedding light on the broader impacts of Period Poverty. Early findings reveal its intersection with food insecurity, mental health disparities, and educational barriers. By harnessing this data, the organization aims to develop comprehensive strategies to alleviate this pervasive issue.
The movement will culminate in the 2025 National Summit on Period Poverty in Atlanta, Georgia, uniting cross-sector leaders to drive actionable solutions. Dignity Grows’ commitment to research and innovation continues to shape the national dialogue, transforming awareness into meaningful change.
For millions of women and girls across the country, recognizing and addressing Period Poverty is a vital step toward building a future defined by equity and opportunity.
Media Contact
Organization: Dignity Grows Inc.
Contact Person: Jennifer Tolman
Website: https://dignitygrows.org/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +17325521545
Address: 40 Woodland St., Hartford CT 06105
Country: United States
Release Id: 28012523066