Council commends student and community efforts on period equity; Pan African Sisterhood distributes reusable pads

Philadelphia City Council adopted a resolution commending Students Against Period Poverty (SAP) and the Philadelphia Youth Commission for expanding awareness and access to menstrual health products in the city's public schools.

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, sponsor of the resolution, told the chamber the measure affirms that council will work to ensure ‘‘equitable and easy access to menstrual health products’’ in city schools. Students and advocates who testified asked that product dispensers be placed in publicly accessible locations, that students be able to take multiple products without confusion about cost, and that product type and size reflect student needs.

Multiple community witnesses described on‑the‑ground work to address period poverty. Maisha Sullivan Ongoza (identified in testimony as representing the Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative, PASHI) and Gloria Greer (PASHI seamstress) described producing reusable menstrual pads for distribution locally and internationally. Greer said PASHI’s kits are hygienic and sustainable and can be distributed in schools and community programs; she distributed sample pads after her remarks.

Youth leaders with Students Against Period Poverty also spoke. Mikayla Myers, a youth commissioner and SAP co‑lead, said SAP hosted a student town hall with the School District’s medical director to ensure students shape the product and distribution choices. Catherine Gunther, a senior and SAP co‑lead, urged the district to choose dispensers and vendors that ensure variety, quality and truly free access.

The resolution passed by voice vote. Councilmembers praised youth organizers and PASHI volunteers, and the sponsor said future steps will involve working with the School District and mayoral offices to operationalize distribution and education.