Fight period poverty
Sylvia’s Sisters in Richmond, Virginia provides period products for menstruators in Richmond and rural Uganda.
Sylvia’s Sisters
According to a 2019 survey in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, nearly two-thirds of women over 18 nationwide were unable to afford needed menstrual hygiene supplies.
When menstruators can’t safely manage their periods, they’re more likely to miss class and fall behind in school. Over time, chronic absenteeism can have serious consequences — it’s linked to higher dropout rates, increased risk of unemployment, long-term poverty, poorer health outcomes, engagement in risky behaviors and greater likelihood of interacting with the criminal justice system.
In 2013, Sylvia Namukasa, an activist in rural Uganda, requested reusable pads from her friend, Jennifer Taylor, in Richmond, Virginia, in order to keep local girls in school while menstruating.
In 2014, Sylvia’s Sisters was officially born.
The end of 2024 marked their 10th year of operating as a 501(c)(3) fighting period poverty in Virginia and Uganda.
Where to start
Gather a group of friends or likeminded acquaintances (perhaps a group in your faith community?) and check out Sylvia's Sisters website for how to get started: https://sylviassisters.org/get-involved/.
Your group can host a kit packing party or period supply drive, become a "Period Pal", or hold regular fundraising events to support their efforts in Virginia and Uganda.
“83% of schools who received period products from Sylvia’s Sisters in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield had a decrease in chronic absenteeism for female students in 2023-2024.”
Real world examples
These volunteers are on a mission to end 'period poverty' in Virginia | Channel 6 | 8.5.2023
Supply and Demand: Regional nonprofit Sylvia’s Sisters lands a major donation | Richmond Magazine | 8.13.2026
Why we love it
Fighting period poverty (the inability to afford basic menstrual supplies like pads and tampons) is vital to protect health, secure equal education, and restore basic dignity for millions of people.
When people cannot buy basic period supplies, they face severe physical, mental, and financial hurdles.
These projects keep students in class, allow for steady work, and fight inequality.
All image credits: Sylvia's Sisters