While legislators debate requiring menstrual products for schools in Minnesota (HF44/SF50), the South Saint Paul High School’s Women’s Society has already accomplished this goal for their school. At the April 24th South Saint Paul School Board meeting, school board members recognized the Women’s Society for their student led effort and, also, thanked the Assistance League of Minneapolis/St. Paul who provided the products and dispensers.

The Women’s Society student leaders championed the effort to have menstrual products available to students free of charge. They did their research. They found that students were missing class standing in line for the nurse to get a tampon or pad they needed. For some students, having to ask a teacher for a pass to the nurse created an uncomfortable situation. Additionally, they found that 10% of students lack consistent access to products outside of school and risk being unable to attend school while on their period.

There was a need; but how to fill it?

After the Women’s Society shared their findings with the South Saint Paul School Superintendent, Brian Zambreno, he suggested they contact Assistance League of Minneapolis/St. Paul to see if they would fund their effort. The Women’s Society invited Assistance League to a meeting where they gave a PowerPoint presentation describing their findings about menstrual product need, the impact it had on student attendance, which bathrooms should be included, and what products were desired. They proposed that if Assistance League funded the product dispensers and product, the Women’s Society would manage the program.

Assistance League, which runs other programs supporting education, women and children in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, was impressed with the students’ presentation and agreed to provide the product and dispensers. “We are delighted to be partnering with this impressive group of young people to meet an important need for students in the South St. Paul middle and high schools.”

The dispensers and products are already in place in the three bathrooms that were identified by the students. The Women’s society created signs which they placed next to the dispensers letting students know that the product is free and that they could contact one of the two teacher advisors if they needed a supply for home. Feedback received since the program has started includes, “This is great for emergencies,” “Products are conveniently located,” “This is much easier than going to the nurse,” and ‘They actually got a good brand!”

So, it seems this program is off to a good start due to a stellar group of students and a nonprofit organization that was willing to listen and support the students’ idea.

*Pictured in the photo are Women’s Society student leaders: Q. Nyakeoga, A. Lumpkin, R. Awadallah, & O. Banks and Advisors: D. Demmings & E. Ritzer