Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement
Ratings1
Average rating3
15
Ratings1
Average rating3
PERIOD founder and Harvard College student Nadya Okamoto offers a manifesto on menstruation and why we can no longer silence those who bleed—and how to engage in youth activism. Throughout history, periods have been hidden from the public. They’re taboo. They’re embarrassing. They’re gross. And due to a crumbling or nonexistent national sex ed program, they are misunderstood. Because of these stigmas, a status quo has been established to exclude people who menstruate from the seat at the decision-making table, creating discriminations like the tampon tax, medicines that favor male biology, and more. Period Power aims to explain what menstruation is, shed light on the stigmas and resulting biases, and create a strategy to end the silence and prompt conversation about periods.
Reviews with the most likes.
3.5 Definitely wish this book had existed when I was younger. Written by a young activist who started an NGO at 16 (!!!!) in a Tumbler/talky/social media style with research all done from internet surfing, this is so accessible to teens. It started strong though got too repetitive by the end, but it offers great advice and actionable items for activism and inclusivity (like language about people who menstruate vs saying women). Will definitely be talking this one up.
Surprisingly readable; palpably young author delivers history, facts and plans in an effusive, peppy tone. Reads as a modern, enlightened view of how society should talk about periods and menstruators and the necessity of robust policies and better access to menstrual products.
The history of period products is fascinating, the history of period stigma in the 20th century is infuriating. Definitely a US focus in regards to policy, legislation.
I appreciate the gender inclusive language and discussions regarding trans and non-binary menstruators, as well as the acknowledgement of how period poverty affects different communities, minorities differently, addressing the need for diverse, intersectional involvement and representation in discussions.
My current curiousity is focused more on the personal health than the universal empowerment side of periods (which means I should have read the other book called Period Power, whoops!, it's back on my library holds list) but I am very glad this book exists.
Sidebar: I'm also aware there's been some semi-recent controversy with the author. I think considering the amount of good referencing, referral and ideas set forth here that this does not discredit the book's content and aims.
