This past summer, Suchita Karnati, junior, spent a lot of time researching how women around the world were affected by not having access to sustainable menstrual products and reproductive education.

Many women who don’t have access to female hygiene products drop out of school. This oftentimes leads to them having to get married young as a form of financial stability, and this cycle continues with their children. 

“Finding out about this cycle of entrapment, I was completely appalled, and I wanted to do something to fix this,” Karnati said.

Then, Karnati stumbled upon the Days for Girls Global Organization, and she knew she had to do something to help locally. So, she decided to create the Days for Girls club at Marquette.

The club works with the Days for Girls global organization. They’re working toward creating a more dignified and humane world for girls through sustainable feminine hygiene, reproductive awareness, advocacy and education. 

The club raises awareness for these topics and raises money to help the organization. 

“Starting conversations about ‘taboo’ issues is crucial to giving women the support that they need, rather than surrounding them with additional shame and embarrassment,” Karnati said. 

Junior Trinity Lopes, co-founder of Days for Girls club, said these issues hinder young girls’ ability to accomplish their dreams. 

“All women should have equal opportunities to their male counterparts and receive the same education,” Lopes said. 

Lopes said she hopes to accomplish this through the club’s projects. Currently, they are working on planning a COVID-19-friendly assembly session for Days for Girls kits, as well as collaborating with retail fundraising programs. 

“I’m so thrilled to see where the club will take us and the positive change it will create,” Lopes said. 

Cate Sanazaro, sponsor for Days for Girls club, is proud of the club and excited to see what they accomplish. 

“Based on the number of Marquette students who want to be a part of this new and worthy project, it is clear that, regardless of what’s happening in the world, our wonderful kids still want to reach out to others,” Sanazaro said.

The club has been meeting via Zoom every 3 p.m. Thursday, and is planning a few safe projects at the moment.

 “It is amazing to me that the club’s leaders have endeavored to initiate the club this year,” Sanazaro said. It’s not an easy undertaking when meetings are virtual. They have made the most of it and have used social networking to get their word out.”