Project Period
c/o Sowmiya Deventhira-Raja
Last month, Service Learning Fellow Sowmiya Deventhira-Raja distributed menstrual health products to young girls, single mothers, and children of single mothers in Erie, Pennsylvania. “Project Period” was made possible by generous grant support from the Karma for Cara Foundation.
c/o Sowmiya Deventhira-Raja
A recent study by the Free the Tampons Association found that access to period products increases school attendance among high school students by 2.4%. Heeding that call, Sowmiya purchased hundreds of new items, including tampons, pads, flushable wipes, herbal healing patches, and hand sanitizer. Additionally, Sowmiya wrote digestible infographics on topics of menstrual hygiene, distress signals, pain management, and the first period. She placed one of each collected item, alongside a printed copy of her infographic, into storage baskets. With the support of two volunteers, Sowmiya delivered the baskets to Erie DAWNS and Erie Community Shelters, impacting 1,000 local residents. As Sowmiya explained, “I am dedicated to ensuring our future is one where the hygiene needs of every young girl and woman is met and every female feels empowered and in charge of their own menstrual health.”
The project was run under the auspices of the Eloquence Charitable Fund, a philanthropic initiative connecting academic debate to community service. As a seasoned debater, Sowmiya had researched and debated topics related to menstrual equity extensively. She encountered public misconceptions and observed that period poverty compounds other social inequities, including educational and economic opportunities. Inspired by these discussions, Sowmiya designed Project Period to translate her social advocacy into a tangible act of community betterment.
We are excited to continue supporting our Service Learning Fellows’ projects.
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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The Academy offers debate classes, summer camps, workshops, tournaments, in-school programs, and online resources for 2,700+ students across 35 states and 19 countries. Ultimately, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate. Follow EA on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
