THE FLOW INITIATIVE RED TENT EVENT

The Flow Initiative partnered with Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, representative of New Jersey’s 31st Legislative District, to host the inaugural Red Tent event on May 27, 2023 in Jersey City, NJ.

The Red Tent event created an opportunity to educate members of the community on menstrual health, while also providing them with an update on the state’s legislative measures to pass new bills that will improve menstrual health access statewide. The event included the following legislators, community advocates, and influential voices:

• Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, 31st Legislative District
• Eiko La Boria, Founder, The Flow Initiative
• Sabrina Browne, Partner, The Flow Initiative
• Joyce Waterman, Jersey City Madam Council President
• Afaf Muhammad, Jersey City Board of Education
• Tara Norman, Planned Parenthood Northern, Central, and Southern New New Jersey
• Joelle Hernandez, Founder, Double Dough
• Jordan Hernandez, Founder, Completely Booked
• Tami Weaver Henry, Chair, Jersey City Women’s Advisory Board
• Chelsea Duffy, Vice Chair, Jersey City Women’s Advisory Board
• Danielle Mullins, Multimedia Artist
• Soulfully Josephine, Vocalist
• Mira Prinz-Arey, Jersey City Councilwoman
• Claudia Wheeler, Founder and CEO Salt Foundation

During the event, The Flow Initiative conducted the first-ever period poverty and menstrual equity flag raising in the nation. Period poverty is defined as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management. While menstrual equity is defined as the ability to access menstrual products when and where people need them. As a result, the inaugural flag-raising signified a new chapter in New Jersey’s efforts to end period poverty and achieve menstrual equity to ensure people have access to menstrual health products, education, and resources. 

On June 22, The Women and Children Committee of the New Jersey State Assembly voted unanimously today to advance Bill A1349, which mandates period products in New Jersey public school and requires the state to pay the costs. This bill corrects an inequity in education and opportunity by making menstrual products as accessible as toilet paper and paper towels in school bathrooms.  The Flow Initiative proudly testified at the hearing, alongside many of our partners, including the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section (NCJW/Essex), Hospeco, The Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the League of Women Voters, Girls Helping Girls Period, Aunt Flow, and students from North Star Academy in Newark.

Founded by La Boria, The Flow Initiative is one of the nation’s leading menstrual health organizations that has distributed more than 1 million products to women, girls, and the LGBTQ+ community. La Boria works with her partner, Sabrina Browne to conduct educational workshops on menstrual health, advance menstrual health legislation, and partner with local and national organizations to reach those in need. 

Together, La Boria and Browne have made an impact from New Jersey to Turkey, working to achieve menstrual equity for all, and the Red Tent event is the latest initiative to bring the local community together.