The Feminist Club at Glen Ridge High School continues to provide a space for students to discuss feminist issues and support organizations that uplift women and girls. Through open discussions and community projects, the club encourages students to learn more and take action.
In its most impactful initiative yet, the club turned its attention to period poverty – an issue that affects 1 in 4 women and often goes unaddressed in public spaces. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education about managing menstrual cycles. Period poverty is both a global and local issue that affects our neighbors and communities. To spark dialogue and deepen understanding of this issue, the club hosted two film screenings of “The Menstrual Gap” and the Academy Award-winning “Period. End of Sentence”. These documentaries highlighted the unknown impact of menstrual inequity and prompted thoughtful discussion among attendees.
But the initiative didn’t stop there. Members were asked to bring donations of menstrual supplies to the film screenings. The Feminist Club also partnered with the Glen Ridge Girls Club, and all Girls Club members in grades 9–12 donated a box of menstrual supplies to support the cause. Together, the clubs collected over 200 boxes of products, all of which were donated to the Bloomfield Public Library’s “Red Pantry”, a new free pantry for menstrual products. The donation drive’s objective was to help ensure that visitors to the library, especially those who may not have regular access to these essentials, would have products available when needed. The Red Pantry is available year-round, and anyone is welcome to drop off donations at the Bloomfield Public Library to help support this cause.
This initiative to solve menstrual poverty in our community will now become a bi-annual event for the club in the years to come, building on its success and continuing to serve the community in a meaningful way. This project reflects the Feminist Club’s ongoing commitment to pairing education with direct community support. By combining awareness with action, the club empowers students to contribute to real-world change in do-able but significant ways.
With more events and drives planned for the spring, the Feminist Club remains a space where student voices are heard and collective action is encouraged. All are welcome to join and take part in future meetings.
