For two years, seniors Minu Akinapally and Sahithi Tadakamalla have sat in Room 104 planning projects, curating slideshows and discussing the importance of menstruation and women’s health each month.

Now, they are co-presidents of Days for Girls, a club that aids in preparing and distributing sustainable menstrual health solutions to girls, and anticipate a new year of heading the club.

“Our club has an international focus, but this year we really want to hone in on problems at home and in our society as well,” Tadakamalla said. “It’s easy to see a problem around the world and say that it’s a shame, but it’s another to actually do something about it, even if it is indirect.”

Tadakamalla said projects such as placing menstrual products in the MHS bathrooms as well as care baskets for women across the globe will be continued.

“This year we want to get more member involvement because in previous years it has been predominantly senior women, but we want a variety of students in the club,” Tadakamalla said.

Speaking to that, Akinapally said she worries for the club’s future if underclassmen don’t get involved.

“I want both young women and men to be educated on menstrual health,” Akinapally said. “Men have a tendency to chock everything up to ‘PMS’ or be ignorant to the issues women face, and that type of ignorance can be really harmful.”

Akinapally said the gravity of women’s health transcends club boundaries.

“Learning and understanding issues that might not directly affect you builds empathy, and at the end of the day, makes you a better person,” Akinapally said.

Echoing these concerns, senior member Mahita Avasarala urges student involvement.
Due to the club being started during online school, getting back into club norms has been difficult.

“It’s something that affects 50% of our student body,” Avasarala said. “So I think it’s something that we should all do our part for.”

To Avasarala, seeing underclassmen get more involved in the student community is exciting. Because there is a large MHS population, they can make a difference in the community if everyone does their part to help.

There are many ways to be involved and spread awareness about these topics even if someone isn’t a part of the club.

“All of the topics are very taboo and by talking to more people such as your parents and friends about the things they go through, can help.” Avasarala said. “If you know someone is in need, be there for each other because we’re all going through it.”