Periods Gone Public

Starred review from October 9, 2017
Activist Weiss-Wolf’s debut explores the ever-evolving global and national politics and conversations around menstruation. Since 2015 (dubbed “the year of the period” by NPR), the topic of menstruation has been in the political limelight, sparking heated debates on social media and among state legislators (especially on whether to repeal the so-called tampon tax), and taking on many forms of activism, including scathing hashtags such as #PeriodsForPence. Weiss-Wolf argues that eliminating the sales tax on menstrual products is an important first step in the quest for “menstrual equity” (an advocacy movement to address menstruation within the core issues of gender equality and social justice), in that it can alleviate some financial burden, challenge discriminatory laws and customs, and influence the way societies understand the social and economic implications of periods. She follows this with an examination of how homelessness, poverty, and incarceration also affect a person’s ability to access menstrual products. She argues convincingly that period products should be considered a basic human necessity, offered in public bathrooms like toilet paper and soap, and believes this classification will help further discussions around other women’s issues. Weiss-Wolf’s thorough research and detailed history, coupled with her practical suggestions for advocating for menstrual equity, makes this book an invaluable resource to any feminist activist.

December 1, 2017

Lawyer, writer, and advocate for equitable menstrual policy Weiss-Wolf has spent several years compiling information about the social, economic, and environmental issues surrounding menstruation. In the author's first book, she strikes a balance between analysis and opinion in each chapter, creating a thoroughly researched call to action. Included are discussions of the historical and religious roots of shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, the impact this shame has on access to education, and how financial barricades that limit the purchase of feminine hygiene products keep women experiencing poverty or homelessness stuck in a vicious cycle. Weiss-Wolf suggests that, especially in this political climate, such systemic forms of controlling and marginalizing women need to be eradicated through policy change, and she lays out ways in which this would work in language that is accessible, nuanced, and groundbreaking. This work could easily be taught in women's studies, gender, and sexuality courses alongside Gloria Steinem's essay "If Men Could Menstruate." VERDICT Relevant for all readers interested in how current government policies impact society and for those wishing to learn more about global approaches to innovation.--Emily Bowles, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison

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