Assembly Resolution No. 549

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 28, 2023, as Menstrual Hygiene Day in the State
of New York

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 910 partners,
and in 2022 the largest Menstrual Hygiene Day reached a record-breaking
687 million people worldwide and inspired 225,000 social media
contributions; 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 have their access to education
interrupted because they do not have access to these essential products
and frequently must miss school; and

WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day focuses on the theme "We Are
Committed" which sends a signal that all participants are committed to
creating a world where no one is held back because they menstruate by
2030; 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 28, 2023, as Menstrual
Hygiene Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of the Annual International Menstrual Hygiene Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.