Designates May 17 of each year as "Menstrual Empowerment Day" in New Jersey.
Impact
The designation of May 17 as 'Menstrual Empowerment Day' is intended to foster recognition and promotion of menstrual health initiatives at local, state, and global levels. This resolution also honors Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, a significant yet often overlooked figure in the history of menstrual health, who was an inventor of a sanitary belt designed to address menstrual blood leakage. By commemorating her birthday through this resolution, New Jersey aims to ensure her contributions to menstrual empowerment are recognized and remembered.
Summary
AJR133 is a Joint Resolution introduced in New Jersey that designates May 17 of each year as 'Menstrual Empowerment Day.' The resolution aims to raise awareness regarding menstrual hygiene, highlight the challenges faced by women and girls due to poor menstrual health education, and promote equitable access to feminine hygiene products. The bill notes that inadequate menstrual hygiene management can restrict opportunities for women and girls and negatively impact their health and social status globally. By acknowledging this issue, the resolution seeks to contribute to wider discussions about women's health and rights.
Contention
As the bill moves forward, discussions surrounding AJR133 may center on the effectiveness of such designations in addressing deeper structural issues related to menstrual health, such as access to resources and education. While supporters emphasize the importance of awareness, some may question the tangible outcomes resulting from the designation of a single day versus systemic changes needed to tackle period poverty and stigma. The resolution represents a step towards recognizing and addressing menstrual health but may prompt calls for broader legislative efforts focused on tangible improvements in health and education.
Designates October of each year as "Menopause Awareness Month" October 11 of each year as "Perimenopause Day," and October 18 of each year as "Postmenopause Day" in New Jersey.