Bringing period poverty out of the shadows and onto center stage
“I left feeling informed, infuriated, and inspired to help” –Mara, NYC
Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual health products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or any combination of these. The Period Monologues brings these struggles to light through powerful theatrical performances.
In 2024, CouldYou? debuted the Period Monologues at NYC’s Lower East Side Girls Club. The event featured evocative monologues based on real interviews with women and girls facing period poverty worldwide, directed by Ella Smith and performed by accomplished actors including:
- Wonu Ogunfowora
- Chantae Miller
- Madeline Barr
- Joydie Kamara
In 2025, CouldYou? is expanding the Period Monologues featuring:
- Live performances of real stories from women affected by period poverty
- Interactive workshops where young women create and perform their own stories
- Community engagement events at NYC’s Lower East Side Girls Club
Our Mission
To shift the conversation surrounding menstrual hygiene and empower the next generation of advocates through:
- Collecting and sharing authentic stories from menstruators worldwide
- Facilitating workshops that transform participants into community advocates
- Creating platforms for dialogue about menstrual equity
- Building awareness through powerful theatrical storytelling
Impact and reach
- 100+ anticipated audience members at performances
- 30-50 young women participating in storytelling workshops
- Global perspective on a universal challenge
- Community-wide dialogue and engagement
The Period Monologues reveal how period poverty, while experienced differently across cultures, represents a shared challenge in women’s access to education, health, and dignity. Through storytelling and advocacy, we’re building momentum for lasting change.
