We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new DEIB initiative: Flow Through Life!
Flow Through Life is a collaborative mission by The Flow Initiative and Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey (PPNCSNJ) to end period poverty and improve health outcomes through education, resources, legislation, and data collection.
The Flow Initiative is a national organization committed to eradicating period poverty and achieving menstrual equity for all. Led by Eiko La Boria and Sabrina Browne, the organization has been instrumental in passing legislation related to menstrual equity, including the Free Menstrual Products in Schools Bill, which goes into effect in September.
Our work is inspired by community-level efforts by organizations within New Jersey to achieve menstrual health equity, including the work of I Support the Girls of Central and Southern New Jersey, Most Beautiful W.O.M.B. Inc., Melinated Moms, and Thrive NJ. These organizations distribute period products and other self-care items to individuals and organizations in New Jersey, provide education, and participate in menstrual health advocacy.
“We have been on a mission to eradicate period poverty and achieve menstrual equity for all since 2019,” said Eiko La Boria, CEO and Founder of The Flow Initiative. “Over the last five years, we have learned that menstruation is the foundation of all reproductive freedom. We believe that reproductive freedom begins with menstruation and we are proud to partner with PPNCSNJ, who has been an advocate for reproductive freedom since its inception. Together, we are increasing awareness of pivotal issues in our community and providing resources to those in need. Change is finally on the horizon.”
For our primary launch, we are conducting a survey to gain insight into individuals’ access to menstrual products and self-care facilities; comfort levels discussing menstruation; school-level education about menstrual health; and opinions on free public access to period products.
Through the data and testimonials collected in our survey, we hope to launch comprehensive and updated education materials and initiatives around menstrual health equity in New Jersey.
We also want to encourage and inform more legislation related to menstrual health equity and period poverty in New Jersey. As of 2023, New Jersey schools must have period products in at least half of all designated female or gender-neutral bathrooms (NJ Spotlight News) and several other pieces of legislation have been or are in the process of being passed by the state.
“Flow Through Life was born from a passionate conversation between two menstrual and reproductive health advocates, and has since evolved into a state-wide initiative with many projects on the horizon,” said Sam, one of our staff members leading this project. “The launch of “Flow Through Life” brings a deep sense of hope and determination, as it represents a critical effort to combat period poverty and improve menstrual health and overall health outcomes for all.”
We prioritize and value improving health outcomes across the lifespan, so we are asking as many people as possible to complete the survey, including those who do not menstruate, transgender and nonbinary individuals, young people, and older people.
Take our survey and help us eradicate period poverty in New Jersey!
About The Flow Initiative: The Flow Initiative is a national organization committed to eradicating period poverty and achieving menstrual equity for all. Based in Jersey City, the organization advocates for menstrual health legislation, facilitates educational workshops, and distributes free menstrual health products. To date, The Flow Initiative has passed seven menstrual health bills, educated 40,000 students on menstruation and period poverty, and distributed 1.5 million menstrual health products worldwide.
Founded by Eiko La Boria in 2019, The Flow Initiative has emerged as an influential and innovative voice in menstrual health. Today, Eiko works in partnership with Sabrina Browne, a global menstrual health advocate and corporate public relations executive. Their combined expertise has elevated The Flow Initiative to new heights, attracting national partners and legislators to support the organization's mission. As a women-led and minority-owned business, The Flow Initiative promotes inclusivity across its operations to ensure the unseen are seen in the menstrual health movement.
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