Item 3e - Menstrual Hygiene Day May 28th — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20210407-03e Date: April 7, 2021 Subject: Menstrual Hygiene Day May 28th Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Flannery Bope Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, the average woman has her period for 2,535 days of her life, which is about seven years, and will spend about $18,000 on menstrual products. Tampons and pads are subject to sales tax and not covered by food stamps. For women below the poverty line, this means they may go without menstrual products, which may lead to missed work and school; and WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014 as a global day of action, focusing on what women and girls need to manage their periods safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame; and WHEREAS, on average, women and girls menstruate for 5 days per month, and the average duration of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. Hence Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on May 28 (5/28), NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission recommends that the Council declare May 28 as “Menstrual Hygiene Day” in Austin to highlight menstrual equity issues faced by women and girls living in Austin and beyond. Date of Approval: April 7, 2021 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 8-0 vote, with one commissioner off the dais, and two commissioners absent. Attest: April E. Shaw April Shaw, Staff Liaison 1