I have always been incredibly passionate about all things women’s health. It was not until this past spring that I truly grasped the importance of individual advocates in this fight for equality and understanding. Whether it is voting for improved policy, supporting your local organizations, or even starting your own project, each person’s individual role is crucial to the progression of the attitudes, policies, and innovations that surround women’s health issues. This truth became known to me in the spring semester of this year when I had the opportunity to study abroad in Arezzo, Italy. I went into this period sadly assuming that I would not be able to be as active within the three main categories (Service, Advocacy, and Education) of OU Women’s Health Advocacy (WHA) projects as I had been in previous semesters. However, I soon realized that the opportunity to apply my passions and ideas in a completely unfamiliar environment was even more valuable. Over the next three months, I explored the differences and similarities between women’s health policies, stigmas, and organizations in Italy, working closely with students, staff, and community members to advocate for menstrual equity. Through this experience, I hope to inspire others to recognize their vital role in advocacy for menstrual equity, sexual health, and reducing stigma on a global scale.
One of the biggest drawbacks to the incredible opportunity I had to study abroad for a semester was leaving behind the organization I had become so involved in and passionate about, OU WHA. I had come to terms with missing many of WHA’s activities and promised to stay as engaged as possible with its ideals while abroad. Once in Arezzo, I applied for the position of President of the Student Activities Council (SAC) but sadly, I was not elected. To my delight, however, I was offered a position as the Volunteer and Outreach Chair instead. With my new responsibilities, I began brainstorming ways to integrate my passion for women’s health education and advocacy into my new community.
One of WHA’s most significant projects is the menstrual product stations placed in various bathrooms on campus. As an active member, it was my responsibility in my first year to refill several of these stations bi-weekly. Naturally, I wanted to replicate this project in Arezzo but wasn't sure how to proceed. After discussions with SAC members and OU in Arezzo staff, we found the budget for the initiative. With this understanding, I organized a shopping trip to purchase products and bins, and I began assembling menstrual stations for student residences, our educational center, local businesses, and Pronto Donna, a local women’s advocacy organization. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with staff and business owners requesting more stations, confirming the widespread need for such resources. According to a study on Italian women’s menstrual experiences, the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation is pervasive, making projects like these crucial to providing support and normalizing open conversations (Trieloff et al., 2023).
Menstrual equity is not just about accessibility but also education. According to Nappi et al. (2023), even though there is growing access to health services in Italy, awareness about women’s reproductive health, including issues like menstruation and contraception, remains insufficient. This echoed my observations in Arezzo, where many community members expressed limited knowledge on such topics. To address this, I created informational flyers in both English and Italian to accompany the menstrual stations, explaining the significance of menstrual equity and listing services provided by Pronto Donna, such as their anti-violence hotline.
After setting up the stations, I was motivated to do more. I collaborated with Ursula, Pronto Donna's now President, and a local high school English teacher to deliver a presentation on menstrual equity, sexual health, and consent. It was an opportunity to educate not only students but also teachers on the common struggles faced by women in both Italy and the U.S. The silence around these topics in Italy, especially when compared to my experiences growing up in the United States, paralleled findings in research that education on women’s health is often neglected in schools, with many learning solely through their families (Trieloff et al., 2023). During the presentation, I encouraged the students to share their firsthand experiences, highlighting how stigma remains a significant barrier to open conversations about menstrual health.
The project didn’t stop with presentations or menstrual stations; it sparked ongoing interest. Before I left Arezzo, I worked with faculty to ensure that the menstrual stations would remain a permanent part of SAC's responsibilities. As the research by Trieloff et al. (2023) illustrates, engaging in cross-generational discussions about menstruation can help break taboos and make future generations feel more comfortable with their reproductive health. The success of the menstrual product initiative in Arezzo has reaffirmed my belief that individual efforts can ripple outward to create lasting change.
The need for women’s health advocacy, particularly in the areas of menstrual equity and reproductive health, is underscored by both research and my firsthand experiences abroad. According to a study on hormonal contraceptives, many Italian women lack adequate information about their reproductive health options, particularly regarding the risks and benefits of treatments like combined hormonal contraception (Nappi et al., 2023). This lack of awareness often leads to misconceptions, further perpetuating the stigma surrounding women’s health. Additionally, cross-cultural research suggests that menstrual and sexual health remain taboo in many parts of Europe, with limited education available in schools (Trieloff et al., 2023). This highlights the importance of grassroots advocacy in filling the gaps left by inadequate health systems. By providing essential resources, like menstrual product stations, and creating spaces for education, we can work toward breaking down these barriers and empowering individuals to take charge of their health. Ultimately, advocacy at the local level contributes to a larger movement for global health equity.
My experiences in Arezzo not only reinforced my passion for women’s health advocacy, but also taught me the profound difference a single person can make. Setting up menstrual product stations, partnering with Pronto Donna, and delivering an educational presentation showed me that, no matter how small the initiative may seem, every action we take has the potential to create ripples of change. These efforts started as a simple idea but quickly turned into a powerful, community-supported project that continues to thrive today. Through this journey, I learned that advocating for women’s health is not about waiting for a large-scale movement to join; it is about seizing opportunities where you are, being confident in your voice, and driving action in your own community.
This is the heart of women’s health advocacy—individual efforts building towards collective change. "Globally, underfunded health systems and outdated policies continue to prevent women from accessing essential care, but every small step we take contributes to dismantling these barriers" (Ndirangu & Chilalika, 2023). From my firsthand experience, when we act locally, we contribute to the global fight for women’s health equity. Each of us has the power to challenge the status quo, raise awareness, and provide critical support in our communities. By doing so, we not only advocate for improved services and policies but also inspire others to join us in the fight. As Whelan (1975) emphasizes, "women’s health advocacy requires not just passion but confidence to speak up, act, and build momentum—because change starts with us." I urge everyone reading this to consider how they, too, can contribute to advancing women’s health, whether it be by educating others, advocating for better policies, or simply starting a conversation that needs to be heard.
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Slideshow Presentation from Italian High School Class:
Incredible!!
What a wonderful program and so thankful for you and others that have implemented and continued its growth.I look forward to seeing more reports on its progress here and abroad.