The Ramapo College Women’s Center partnered with YWCA Northern New Jersey to deliver an awareness and advocacy event on campus centered around menstrual equity on November 1. The visit to campus is part of YWCANNJ’s year-long, multi-campus tour to shine a light on the challenges that college students face when it comes to getting period products. Educational materials and free products were made available to students, and representatives from both the Y and Ramapo College were available to answer questions.

Ramapo College is aware of the challenges, thanks to the Student Government Association, and has already risen to the occasion. Over the summer, the college began stocking restrooms on campus with free products for students. This even without a committee vote occurring yet on NJ bill S3576/A3826 which, if passed, would provide funding for all New Jersey public colleges and universities to offer free menstrual hygiene products on campus.

Marie Danielle-Attis, assistant director of the Center for Student Involvement, Office of Violence Prevention, who organized the event on campus, shared, “Individuals who menstruate miss out on so many opportunities because of the anxiety that comes with not being able to afford or have access to menstrual supplies, what we now call period poverty. Having events like Fall into Menstrual Equity helps reduce period poverty and works towards menstrual equity. Ramapo stocks restrooms with free menstrual supplies for campus community members, and the Women’s Center and Health Services are also resources for picking up supplies at any time.”

To view a photo gallery of the event, visit NJ.com. Ramapo College is grateful for the continued partnership with YWCA Northern New Jersey to deliver important and relevant events to the campus community.