l2r front: Stacey Plaskett, Kate Golub, and Clema Lewis.
In a significant effort to address period poverty among middle and high school-aged girls in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the organization Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett in partnership with Golub Capital, has donated a total of $48,190 to local non-profits.
According to the release, the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix received $22,971, and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas was granted $25,219. These funds are specifically earmarked for the purchase of sanitary napkins, wipes, and other essential items aimed at supporting female empowerment by ensuring that young women have access to the necessary menstrual products.
Period poverty, defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and adequate education to manage menstrual health, is a crisis that affects women and girls globally, including those in the Virgin Islands. This initiative seeks to alleviate the burden on young women whose education and daily lives are often disrupted due to the inability to access feminine hygiene products, Ms. Plaskett's office said.
Kate Golub, daughter of Golub Capital CEO Lawrence Golub, expressed her gratitude for being able to contribute to the cause. "I am honored that my family and I can support VI for Plaskett’s Period Poverty Initiative in such a significant way," said Ms. Golub. "I am deeply aware of how impactful menstrual cycles are to young women, and the unfortunate reality that many young women in our community face because of the lack of access to feminine products."
Clema Lewis, executive director of the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to addressing women’s and family issues in the Virgin Islands. "We know firsthand the difficulties many of the families in our community encounter in providing period products to their young women, so we are excited to be a part of providing this much-needed support," she said.
Anya Stuart, executive director of the Family Resource Center, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the initiative for vulnerable members of the community. "We at the Family Resource Center are very grateful for the funding provided by Golub Capital for the Period Poverty Initiative on St. Thomas. We look forward to collaborating with our schools to implement the initiative in short order," she said.
The initiative was inspired by a meeting Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett attended, where the issue of period poverty was discussed, revealing that the lack of access to menstrual products is a significant factor contributing to school truancy among young women. "I know firsthand how powerful a full education can be to creating independent, powerful women," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "It is my hope that the consistent availability of feminine hygiene products in our schools will make a positive impact."
According to the release, the funding provided by Golub Capital will ensure that period products are available to young women in need across all Virgin Islands public middle and high schools, aiming to create a more supportive environment where girls can focus on their education without the additional burden of period poverty.
