As a woman and lifelong resident of New Hampshire, it’s important to me that Gov. Chris Sununu signs Senate Bill 142, which would require that tampons and pads be provided in girls’ public school restrooms to protect the dignity of young women in our state.
Like many of my peers, my middle and high school years are riddled with embarrassing moments, including needing to go home early and change clothes because I wasn’t prepared and was too scared to ask. Most women can remember sneaking products up their sleeve so no one would notice or having to go to the nurse’s office and ask for products in front of every other student in the room; and that’s just a few of the more common experiences I had.
It can be easy for someone who hasn’t had to experience these moments to brush off their impact, but I still remember those emotions to this day. There is monthly embarrassment, shame and anxiety associated with periods for many young girls. The time spent out of class can be significant as we try to find a resource to provide help and products.
It is important that New Hampshire’s young women experience uninterrupted learning, free of shame and stigma. Passage of this bill would move us in the right direction, but we must continue this conversation and our efforts to address these issues. I urge my fellow community members to reach out to Gov. Sununu and ask him to sign SB 142.
KATHERINE M. GAGE
Concord