The Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women has recently reinforced its commitment to combating period poverty by donating approximately 1,500 period products to three local outreach agencies. In a special event hosted at the Mo‘ikeha Building of the Līhu‘e Civic Center, the first lady Monica Kawakami, a Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women member and public school educator of more than two decades, highlighted the struggles young girls face when they don't have access to basic hygiene products, according to the County of Kaua'i.
"As an educator in the public school system for the past 22 years, I’ve seen firsthand the burden that period poverty can have on our young girls," said First Lady Monica Kawakami according to the County of Kaua'i official press release. She thanked everyone contributing to the initiative aiming to end period poverty and ensuring that "women of all ages have access to basic, fundamental, women’s hygiene products." The donation was distributed among Catholic Charities, Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity’s homelessness and housing programs, and the YWCA — all organizations devoted to supporting women and youth in the community.
Representatives from these organizations convened alongside Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women members and Mayor Derek Kawakami to participate in the donation ceremony. According to the County of Kaua'i press release, Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women is a part of the larger Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women. Their efforts are concentrated on promoting change through advocacy, education, collaboration, and program development.
The initiative led by First Lady Kawakami emphasizesKaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women’s continued dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Kaua‘i. The donation event is one of the actions they have recently taken to tackle the underdiscussed issue of period poverty that affects individuals across the globe. For those seeking more information on the organization's work or interested in getting involved, further details can be found on the Kaua‘i Committee on the Status of Women's website.
