NYU Athletics #SHEro Event

Guest post by NYU soccer goalkeeper Sophie Frank

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Sophie Frank (at left) with co-organizer & SHE Marketing Intern Arianna Lauren Strome

I am always empowered by seeing a group of people come together to engage in learning about how they can make a positive impact on the lives of others. The NYU #SHEro event was a prime example of students making sacrifices to partake in an important movement. NYU athletes came together to learn about SHE and the importance of female menstrual protection.Pic 1

Periods are not always comfortable ­­to talk about or experience­­ but we all came to understand from this event that affording proper protection for girls and women when they have their periods is fundamental to creating a more equitable world. I was shocked to learn that even in the United States women face a luxury tax on pads and the products are not included in SNAP benefits.

The message from SHE resonated deeply with NYU athletes. We were able to share a space together in which we practiced yoga and then developed a deeper awareness of the issue. By awaking our bodies, alongside our minds, we were able to more fully capture the necessity of changing the status quo when it comes to menstrual protection.

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In the end we raised $2,350 for SHE! You can still support SHE and our #SHEro campaign today: https://www.classy.org/new-york/events/nyu-shero-event/e70749

 

Why I Give to SHE: Meet Molly Johnson

Molly Johnson_Donor and Volunteer_July 2015How did you first get involved with SHE?

I heard about SHE through the School of Visual Arts, where I was tasked with a logo design assignment for them.

What is unique about SHE?

SHE is unique because it is a sustainable, long-term solution. The go! pads help communities in reciprocal ways by empowering women and creating jobs.

What impact have you seen from your donation and volunteer work?

I have seen my designs featured on the website and social media including the 2014 holiday campaign.

Return on investment when you give to SHE

An example of Molly’s work for SHE’s 2014 Holiday Campaign.

What makes you excited about SHE’s future direction?

I am excited to see SHE really thrive in Rwanda, so that similar initiatives are carried out in other communities around the world.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a donor or volunteer to SHE? I would say that women can miss up to 50 days of work/school a year if they don’t have sanitary products. 

To discover more of Molly’s talents, check out her portfolio at mollymasonjohnson.com 

If you want to use your talents for purpose to help further our mission, email us at supportshe@sheinnovates.com.

Why I Give to SHE: Meet Lara Cely

Lara Cely shares why she gives to SHE.How did you first get involved with SHE?

One of my colleagues at work invited me to a SHE cocktail party! I had read the Nicholas Kristof article, and wanted to learn more about this social enterprise with the fascinating back story (blending banana leaves!). My friends and I like to support women’s health organizations, and when my colleague received the party invitation to hear more about SHE, we were totally on board.

What is unique about SHE?

SHE is that perfect balance of being a revolutionary organization with a simple concept: affordable sanitary pads to help girls stay in school.

What impact have you seen from your donation?

It’s clear there is definite progress with strategic plans:

– Over 7,000 affordable sanitary pads (called go!) introduced for the Rwanda schools and market.

– Almost 300 people have attended SHE health and hygiene awareness workshops for schools and the communities in 2014 alone; 5,000+ have participated since 2010.

– 600+ farmers from 2 women-led banana cooperatives trained to help produce more products for school girls and boost local business income at the same time!

What makes you excited about SHE’s future direction?

I’m most excited about SHE’s scalable, blueprint approach to building a local model that handles a global problem – the lack of affordable sanitary products for women and girls. This model is going to change the rules when it comes to equal opportunity for women in many developing countries.