Declare Menstrual Hygiene Day

May 28, 2020, as Menstrual Hygiene Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the Seventh Annual International Menstrual Hygiene Day WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global initiative that aims to bring together individuals from different cultures and professions to promote Menstrual Hygiene Management; and WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day educates individuals around the world about the challenges that women, girls, and all menstruating individuals face as a result of this biological function; this day puts a spotlight on solutions to address these challenges and spread awareness of this international health movement; and WHEREAS, The date of May 28 was chosen because of its symbolic meaning; May, the 5th month of the year, represents the average five days each month in a menstrual cycle and the 28 represents the length of the average menstrual cycle; and WHEREAS, This movement was initiated in 2014 by WASH United, a Germany-based organization; since the beginning of the annual Menstrual Hygiene Day, the organization has forged an alliance of 340 partners, and in 2017 the largest Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated with over

350 events in 54 countries; and WHEREAS, The spirit of Menstrual Hygiene Day encompasses breaking the silence, shame and stigma that surrounds menstruation; women, girls and all menstruating individuals have been taught to be ashamed or embarrassed of their periods rather than being educated on this natural bodily function; and WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day also addresses the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products as an issue of human rights and dignity; many menstruating individuals around the world lack adequate and reliable access to menstrual hygiene products; and WHEREAS, Far too many students, because they do not have access to these essential products, frequently must miss school and uninterrupted access to education; and WHEREAS, This year's Menstrual Hygiene Day focuses on the theme "It's Time for Action" which focuses on action to end period stigma and ensuring no women, girls or menstruating individuals are left behind or miss opportunities because of their period; and WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day spreads awareness of the fundamental role that good menstrual hygiene management plays in helping women, girls and menstruating individuals reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives; and WHEREAS, The citizens of the State of New York stand firmly committed to promoting good menstrual hygiene management as a catalyst for the success and health of our women, girls and all menstruating individuals; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 28, 2020, as Menstrual Hygiene Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of the Seventh Annual International Menstrual Hygiene Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.