Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity by Carps Plam | eBook

The first book to explore menstruation in the current cultural and political landscape and to investigate the new wave of period activism taking the world by storm.

After centuries of being shrouded in taboo and superstition, periods have gone mainstream. Seemingly overnight, a new, high-profile movement has emerged—one dedicated to bold activism, creative product innovation, and smart policy advocacy—to address the centrality of menstruation in relation to core issues of gender equality and equity.

In Periods Gone Public, Jennifer Weiss-Wolf—the woman Bustle dubbed one of the nation's “badass menstrual activists”— explores why periods have become a prominent political cause. From eliminating the tampon tax, to enacting new laws ensuring access to affordable, safe products, menstruation is no longer something to whisper about. Weiss-Wolf shares her firsthand account in the fight for “period equity” and introduces readers to the leaders, pioneers, and everyday people who are making change happen. From societal attitudes of periods throughout history—in the United States and around the world—to grassroots activism and product innovation, Weiss-Wolf challenges readers to face stigma head-on and elevate an agenda that recognizes both the power—and the absolute normalcy—of menstruation.

Library Journal

★ 12/01/2017
Lawyer, writer, and advocate for equitable menstrual policy Weiss-Wolf has spent several years compiling information about the social, economic, and environmental issues surrounding menstruation. In the author's first book, she strikes a balance between analysis and opinion in each chapter, creating a thoroughly researched call to action. Included are discussions of the historical and religious roots of shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, the impact this shame has on access to education, and how financial barricades that limit the purchase of feminine hygiene products keep women experiencing poverty or homelessness stuck in a vicious cycle. Weiss-Wolf suggests that, especially in this political climate, such systemic forms of controlling and marginalizing women need to be eradicated through policy change, and she lays out ways in which this would work in language that is accessible, nuanced, and groundbreaking. This work could easily be taught in women's studies, gender, and sexuality courses alongside Gloria Steinem's essay "If Men Could Menstruate." VERDICT Relevant for all readers interested in how current government policies impact society and for those wishing to learn more about global approaches to innovation.—Emily Bowles, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison

Publishers Weekly

★ 10/09/2017
Activist Weiss-Wolf’s debut explores the ever-evolving global and national politics and conversations around menstruation. Since 2015 (dubbed “the year of the period” by NPR), the topic of menstruation has been in the political limelight, sparking heated debates on social media and among state legislators (especially on whether to repeal the so-called tampon tax), and taking on many forms of activism, including scathing hashtags such as #PeriodsForPence. Weiss-Wolf argues that eliminating the sales tax on menstrual products is an important first step in the quest for “menstrual equity” (an advocacy movement to address menstruation within the core issues of gender equality and social justice), in that it can alleviate some financial burden, challenge discriminatory laws and customs, and influence the way societies understand the social and economic implications of periods. She follows this with an examination of how homelessness, poverty, and incarceration also affect a person’s ability to access menstrual products. She argues convincingly that period products should be considered a basic human necessity, offered in public bathrooms like toilet paper and soap, and believes this classification will help further discussions around other women’s issues. Weiss-Wolf’s thorough research and detailed history, coupled with her practical suggestions for advocating for menstrual equity, makes this book an invaluable resource to any feminist activist. (Oct.)

From the Publisher

Praise for Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's Periods Gone Public :

"Weiss-Wolf’s thorough research and detailed history, coupled with her practical suggestions for advocating for menstrual equity, makes this book an invaluable resource to any feminist activist."— Publishers Weekly , starred review

" Periods Gone Public by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf may be the beginning of liberation for us all." — Gloria Steinem

"A riveting read ... a rich picture of the current menstrual landscape and a promising call to smart activism.” — Washington Post

"If Jennifer Weiss-Wolf were a superhero, her alter ego would probably be Period Warrior: a brave champion for all who menstruate, who never leaves home without extra tampons for anyone in need, and whose secret power is the ability to push forward a legislative agenda that ensures menstrual equity and justice for all."— Refinery 29

"Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's Periods Gone Public gives powerful voice to one of the most ignored human rights issues around the globe. It's required reading for every one of us." — Abigail Jones, Newsweek

"Jennifer Weiss-Wolf's passion and vision for menstrual equity continues in Periods Gone Public . While both inspiring and educating, she continues to keep menstruation on front pages and at the forefront of conversations across the globe." — Elissa Stein, author of Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation

"One of the most important pieces of literature on women’s rights and health policy in decades. A game changing blueprint for action." —NYC Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland

Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity

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