Sarah Williams
Beaver Staff
For Maggie Kimmett, the antiquated stigma surrounding menstrual cycles has always been a point of contention. That’s why Kimmett began Topple Period Poverty, a Go Fund Me campaign that hopes to de-stigmatize periods and provide period products to those experiencing financial hardship.
Kimmett traces her awareness of period stigmatization to public school and noted this stigmatization follows women throughout their lives, with some having to choose between period products and other necessities such as food.
“Growing up, there was always this embarrassment surrounding periods. For example, when you went to school, ‘period havers’ would have to sneak period supplies up to their sleeves on their way to the bathroom or cough to mask the sound of a wrapper opening because of the stigma of what would happen if a boy, a teacher or even another period haver would notice that you were on your period,” explained Kimmett. “So as someone who was frustrated with this stigmatization of something that is a natural and monthly occurrence, I wanted to work to topple period poverty, break the stigma and normalize talking about periods.”
Kimmett commented that she’s disappointed society hasn’t done better.
“So many women do not have the resources to purchase their products or have to choose between buying food or buying period supplies,” she said.
Though Kimmett’s initial goal was to raise $500 for period products she managed to raise well over $1,000 in the first week.
“Initially, my goal was to raise 500 dollars, but after only a week of launching the fundraiser, we are currently at $1,253,” Kimmett stated.
For Kimmett, this is a project not only about providing period products, but also empowering women. With this in mind, Kimmett chose Interval House to be the recipient of her fundraiser.
“I chose the Interval House to be the location to donate to because it empowers other women, which is what this project is about—giving women the confidence to have their periods without shame and having access to the supplies they deserve,” she expressed.
Noting she is grateful to have been part of the Topple Period Poverty Experience, Kimmett said she would love to see this be an annual project every February.
For anyone interested in following the fundraiser or to donate, please see:
Instagram page : “toppletheperiodpoverty”
GoFund Me:
https://gofund.me/ed169b0b