period project research
My project began with an initial 10 hours of research to explore the feasibility of what I wanted to accomplish: abolish the tampon tax in California. In the interest of completing my project in the recommended three to four months — legislation changes could take years — I narrowed it down to creating awareness around the tax. That led me to research income inequality in depth, the tampon tax, and stigmas attached to feminine hygiene products. That research plus drafting emails about my project, brainstorming with my community partner and advisor, and creating my awareness campaign (social media, postcards, posters) rounded out my research. I used Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s website as well for press releases and updated information. I also used my community partner and project advisor’s help with more information and research. I recommend two books if you would like to know more about the subject: Periods Gone Public by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, and Period Power by Nadya Okamoto. Both were extremely helpful in my understanding of the issues.
Links to research:
Jackie Speier Press Release: Link to press release announcing Speier’s Pink Tax Repeal act which describe discrimination in the pink tax and information on who it effects and why.
NPR article: Outlines how states are moving to disband the “Tampon Tax.”
New York Times Article: Describes menstrual equity and the legal action supporters are planning to take to repeal the tax and key information about specific states and their stance on the “pink tax.”
By Jennifer Weiss-Wolf
“The first book to explore menstruation in the current cultural and political landscape, feminist icon Gloria Steinem said Periods Gone Public, ‘maybe the beginning of liberation for us all.’” - Amazon
by Nadya Okamoto
“PERIOD founder and Harvard College student Nadya Okamoto offers a manifesto on menstruation and why we can no longer silence those who bleed—and how to engage in youth activism.” - Amazon