FAQ

The PeriodGiving Collective is a global movement rooted in generosity and menstrual justice. We bring people together to support those who menstruate, through acts of kindness, advocacy, and collaboration. Think of it as a community-driven campaign (anchored to the GivingTuesday spirit) where everyone – individuals, nonprofits, schools, companies – works collectively to end period poverty and stigma. We’re not a single charity but a coalition of partners and volunteers who share resources (like our Playbook), amplify each other’s efforts, and celebrate every act of period generosity. In short, PeriodGiving is both an idea and a network: the idea that generosity can transform menstrual health outcomes, and the network of people making that idea a reality.

(Why GivingTuesday?) We’re proudly linked to GivingTuesday – the global generosity movement – which gives us a platform to reach millions and ties our mission to a broader culture of giving. Being part of GivingTuesday means we emphasize positivity, inclusivity, and collaboration, rather than pity or hand-outs. We harness that annual energy of giving and extend it throughout the year for menstrual equity.

Anyone and everyone. PeriodGiving is open to all, regardless of gender, age, or background. You don’t need to belong to an organization or have any specific title to join – if you care about helping others and believe menstruation shouldn’t hold anyone back, you’re one of us! Here are some examples:

• A student, like a secondary school girl or boy, can participate by starting a campus pad bank or just by sharing knowledge with friends.
  
  
• A parent can join by educating their family or donating supplies to a local shelter.
  
  
• Men and boys are absolutely welcome – as allies who can help break the stigma and support menstruators (e.g., a father teaching his son that buying pads is normal, or a male teacher ensuring his students have products at school).
  
  
• Community groups, NGOs, health workers, teachers – your existing work can become part of PeriodGiving by adding the element of generosity and collaboration (for example, a women’s group in a village can affiliate and share their project as a PeriodGiving story).
  
  
• Even if you’re just an individual with no group, you can pledge to do an act (like our Playbook ideas) and you count as a participant.
  
  

There’s no formal sign-up required to “be” a PeriodGiver (though we’d love if you subscribe or say hi so we know you’re out there!). Essentially, if you’re advancing menstrual equity in any way – through giving, volunteering, educating, or advocating – you are part of the PeriodGiving Collective. And if you’re not sure where to start, check our Take Action page for ideas.

No – PeriodGiving is for everyone who menstruates, AND everyone who cares about someone who menstruates. We use inclusive language because not all women menstruate (for example, during menopause or due to medical conditions), and not all who menstruate are women (transgender men and nonbinary individuals may also have periods). Our movement includes women, girls, transgender, nonbinary folks, and male allies.

We make a conscious effort to be inclusive in phrasing. For example:

• DO: say “people who menstruate” or “menstruators” when talking broadly – this includes girls, women, and nonbinary or trans people who have periods.
  
  
• DON’T: assume only women have periods or use phrases that exclude others. (For instance, instead of saying “helping our sisters,” we might say “helping everyone who menstruates,” to be more encompassing.)
  
  

Another example:

• DON’T: use euphemisms like “feminine hygiene products” (which can feel old-fashioned or exclude those who don’t identify as female).
  
  
• DO: use clear terms like “menstrual products” or “period products,” which are direct and inclusive.
  
  

In short, while many of our initiatives focus on women and girls (since they face the brunt of period poverty and stigma), we welcome and consider the needs of all genders. We also encourage men to actively participate – whether it’s fathers supporting daughters, male teachers ensuring their students have supplies, or any man advocating alongside us. PeriodGiving is as much about changing culture (which everyone is a part of) as it is about direct aid.

We even have stories of brothers, husbands, and friends who stepped up in wonderful ways – those are PeriodGivers too! So yes, everyone has a role. If you have more questions about inclusive language or how you can fit in, feel free to ask. We have a growing set of guidelines and are always learning.

PeriodGiving started as an initiative under the GivingTuesday Africa Hub, and it remains anchored in the ethos of GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) is known for unleashing generosity globally – and we wanted to harness that energy specifically for menstrual justice. Here’s the relationship:

• GivingTuesday as a springboard: We use the global publicity and momentum of GivingTuesday to shine a spotlight on period issues each year. For example, on GivingTuesday we run special campaigns asking people to support menstrual health causes as part of their giving.
  
  
• Beyond the day: We then extend that spirit year-round (hence “PeriodGiving” as an ongoing movement). The idea is to not wait for one day a year; instead, every day can be a giving day for period equity. But the GivingTuesday connection helps because it’s a recognized platform and network.
  
  
• Support and Network: Through GivingTuesday, we connect with a broader network of philanthropists, nonprofits, and media. The Africa Hub and global team have supported our coalition building. We’re like a focused offshoot that still benefits from being part of a large family. This means better reach, credibility, and sometimes resources (like mini-grants or training in movement-building).
  
  
• PeriodGiving Day: We’re planning our own “PeriodGiving Day” around the GivingTuesday season  – sort of creating a new tradition. This is directly inspired by the GivingTuesday model (a dedicated day to rally people), but tailored to our cause. It’s another example of how we mirror that structure.
  
  

In essence, GivingTuesday gave us a launchpad and continues to be a partner. But PeriodGiving has grown into its own identity that operates all year. If you love the idea of GivingTuesday (radical generosity, community-driven change), you’ll feel right at home in PeriodGiving. We’re applying those same values to fight period poverty and stigma.

There are so many ways! You can start small or go big, depending on your comfort and capacity. Here are a few steps:

• Learn: Visit our How It Works and Take Action pages for concrete ideas. You might begin by educating yourself and those around you about menstrual equity. Awareness is action too.
  
  
• Do an Act of PeriodGiving: Try one of the simple actions from our Playbook. For example, carry an extra pad to give out (you might be surprised how often that’s needed), or donate a pack of pads to a local shelter or school. If you’re more ambitious, host a little fundraiser or a pad collection drive among friends, or start a conversation club about menstrual health.
  
  
• Join Campaigns: Participate in our collective events. Mark the next Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28) or GivingTuesday on your calendar and join whatever campaign we’re running – that could be sharing a post, attending a webinar, or volunteering at an event. Check Campaigns & Events for what’s coming.
  
  
• Spread the Word: Use your voice. Social media is a great place to start – share a fact or a personal reflection with the hashtag #PeriodGiving. Or simply talk to people in your life: break that taboo by discussing periods openly with family or peers. That cultural change is a huge part of involvement.
  
  
• Subscribe and Connect: Sign up for our newsletter (bottom of the page) to get updates. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (@GivingTueAfrica or our forthcoming dedicated PeriodGiving handles). Being in the loop means you’ll hear of any calls to action or opportunities to help.
  
  
• Contribute Skills: If you have specific skills (e.g., you’re a teacher, a nurse, a graphic designer, a storyteller), let us know. There might be a need for educational volunteers, translation help, content creation, etc. A lot of this movement runs on volunteer passion.
  
  
• Support Financially: If you’re able, consider a donation via our Donate page. Even a small monthly donation can have a steady impact and is a very tangible way to be involved personally in the change.
  
  
• Share Your Story: One powerful way to get involved is to share any personal experiences or initiatives you have. Did you help someone with a period emergency? Tell us. Do you remember your first period and wish something was different? Share that perspective. Your story could encourage others or be featured to spread awareness.
  
• Reach Out: If you’re ever unsure, you can always reach out through our contact form or email (see Contact Us below). We can suggest something tailored to you or connect you with a local PeriodGiving ambassador if there’s one in your region.

We love this question – collaboration is at the heart of PeriodGiving! If you represent an organization (NGO, community group, school club, company CSR team, etc.) or even an informal group that wants to align with PeriodGiving, here’s how to join our coalition:

• Step 1: Reach Out to Us: Introduce yourself or organization/group briefly: where you’re based, what you do, and how you’d like to be involved. There’s no heavy application or anything – it can be as simple as “Hi, we run a girls’ club in Nairobi and would love to collaborate under PeriodGiving.”

See form link here: https://forms.gle/sYsDUXgQnc8Uv3CP7

• Step 2: We’ll Connect: Our coalition coordinators (likely from the GivingTuesday Africa team or a lead volunteer) will get back to you. We often schedule a quick chat or email exchange to understand your goals and see how we can support each other. The collective is very open, so it’s not an approval process, just a connection point.
  
  
• Step 3: Agree on Participation: You can decide your level of involvement. Some organizations become core partners (actively co-planning campaigns, co-branding events with #PeriodGiving, etc.), others might simply share their existing activities under our hashtag and network (which is perfectly fine!). We might ask if we can list your org as a participant on our site or materials, with your permission.
  
  
• Step 4: Access Resources: Once you’re in the loop, you’ll get access to coalition resources – things like the Coalition Toolkit (with campaign templates, logos, guides for running PeriodGiving events), invitations to coalition-only webinars or group chats, and opportunities to be featured in our communications (like our Annual Magazine or blogs). We also sometimes co-create proposals for funding as a coalition, so if that’s relevant, being in the network helps.
  
  
• Step 5: Co-create and Amplify: As part of the collective, you’re encouraged to use the #PeriodGiving hashtag for your work, share your successes so we can amplify them, and participate in joint campaigns (like combined efforts on Menstrual Hygiene Day or PeriodGiving Day). You’ll also be looped into the planning of any big initiatives if you’re interested. For example, if we’re planning a PeriodGiving Day event, coalition members can opt to host local events that all get tied together.
  
  
• No Fees, Just Commitment: Important – there’s no fee or formal MOU necessary to join. This is a values-driven coalition. The only “commitment” we ask is that you uphold the spirit of generosity and inclusivity, and communicate with us so we know what’s happening (and can support you). And of course, respect any community guidelines we have (like using inclusive language, etc., which you likely already align with).
  
  

Can anyone join? Yes, any group working in or passionate about menstrual equity (or tangential areas like women’s health, girls’ education, WASH) can join. Even if your group is not solely about menstrual issues – say you’re a school or a general youth club – you can still become a PeriodGiving partner by integrating a period initiative into your activities.

If you’re unsure, just reach out and ask. We can clarify what collaboration could look like for you. We can also put you in touch with someone in our network from your country or region if available – sometimes it helps to chat peer-to-peer about experiences.

In sum, joining the Collective is as easy as saying “Count us in!” and then working together informally to boost each other’s efforts. We’re excited to have you on board and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!

Absolutely! In-kind donations (pads, tampons, cups, soap, underwear, etc.) are often just as valuable as cash in our movement, and in some cases even more immediately useful for local communities. We welcome your desire to give tangible items. Here’s how you can do it:

• Check Local Opportunities: The best approach is usually to donate directly to a local organization or group that can distribute the products. If you’re connected with a school, shelter, or NGO that needs supplies, you can arrange to deliver pads to them as a PeriodGiving act. Feel free to let us know – we’d love to count that towards our collective impact.
  
  
• Coordinate with Us: If you’re not sure where to send supplies, reach out via our Contact page with your location and what you have. We can connect you to one of our coalition partners near you (for example, if you’re in Lagos, we might link you with a local NGO or community center that we know is in need; if in Nairobi, perhaps a school or our Kenya coordinator).
  
  
• Period Product Drives: You can also host or contribute to a pad drive. For instance, during Menstrual Hygiene Day or PeriodGiving Day, we might run specific collection drives in multiple cities. We’ll announce those on Campaigns & Events. If one is happening near you, you can drop off supplies there. If none exists yet, you might even start one (we can guide you on that).
  
  
• What to Donate: Sanitary pads (disposable or reusable), tampons, menstrual cups, panty liners, new underwear, soaps/hand sanitizers (for hygiene kits) are all useful. Even pain relievers (like ibuprofen) or small hot water bottles can be helpful for menstrual pain relief kits. We suggest donating items that are new, unopened, and culturally appropriate. (For example, some communities might not be familiar with tampons or cups – in such cases pads are more immediately usable. But other communities are open to cups, which can be great for long-term use.)
  
  
• Hygiene and Quality: Please ensure any items are high quality and safe. No expired or near-expiry items (like wipes) and no damaged packaging. Dignity is key – we give what we’d be comfortable receiving ourselves.
  
  
• Acknowledgement: If you want, we can provide a donation acknowledgement letter for in-kind donations too (for your records or tax purposes where applicable). Let us know what you need.
  
  

If you are personally in need of menstrual products or related support, first, know that you are not alone and we care about helping. The PeriodGiving Collective itself isn’t a direct service provider (we don’t have a centralized distribution center), but we work with many partners who do provide products and assistance locally. Here’s what you can do:

• Find Local Partners: Check our (upcoming) Local Support Directory on the Resources page or reach out to us with your location. We will try to connect you with an organization or community group near you that can help. For example, if you’re in Kampala, we might refer you to an NGO like Irise or a community youth group we know. If you’re in a city like Lagos or Nairobi, there are likely multiple initiatives we can point you to (from government programs to NGOs).
  
  
• School or Community Programs: If you’re a student, see if your school has a program or counselor who distributes pads – some schools have quietly started keeping supplies (we advocate for this). We might have worked with someone in your school district. We can advise on asking a trusted teacher or health worker.
  
  
• Contact Us Directly: You can send us a confidential message via the Contact form or email explaining your situation (as much as you’re comfortable). We treat such requests with discretion and urgency. We’ll do our best to arrange help. In some cases, a local PeriodGiver volunteer could meet you to give you supplies, or we might mail a care package if feasible.
  
  
• Online Communities: In some areas, there are online groups (WhatsApp, Facebook) where people give away extra pads or coordinate pick-ups. If appropriate, we can invite you to any such safe community we know of.
  
  
• Long-term Solutions: We don’t want you to have to ask every month. So beyond the immediate assistance, we’d love to help find a sustainable solution. This could be connecting you with a program that provides a monthly supply, or equipping you with a reusable menstrual kit that lasts years. For instance, menstrual cups or cloth pads, once you have them and know how to use them, can cover you for a long time. If you’re open to that, let us know – many of our partners distribute reusables and provide guidance on using them safely.
  
  
• Safe Space: Importantly, we ensure you’re treated with respect and zero judgment. Needing help with period products should never be embarrassing – it’s a circumstance that thousands face due to systemic issues. Our volunteers and partners approach every request with empathy and privacy. If for some reason we can’t find a direct way to help (maybe if you’re in a very remote area we haven’t reached yet), we’ll be honest and keep trying. We can also give you tips on DIY temporary solutions and hygiene (for example, how to sanitize cloth if you need to make do) as a stopgap, but we’ll still aim to get you proper supplies.
  
  
• Emergency Situations: If your need is urgent (you currently don’t have anything to use), please indicate that. We might advise reaching out to a local clinic or Red Cross if available immediately, while we coordinate a follow-up.
  
  

We’d love to hear from you! Sharing stories and ideas is a core part of the PeriodGiving movement – it inspires others and helps us all learn. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Via Our Website: Head over to our Stories & Media page or the Contact/Submit section (we will be adding a “Share Your Story” button). You can fill out a simple form telling us about your story or idea. It can be a personal experience (e.g., how you helped someone or how someone helped you), a project you did, or even an idea you haven’t executed yet but think could be great for the movement. There will be an option to upload a photo if you have one (photos really add impact, but they’re optional).
  
  
• Email Us: You can also email your story or idea to stories@periodgiving.org (or the relevant email provided on our site). Just write it as if telling a friend – we can help edit for clarity if needed. If you’re more comfortable in another language, that’s fine too; we’ll translate (we have multilingual volunteers).
  
  
• Social Media: If you share something on Twitter/Instagram etc. with the hashtag #PeriodGiving and tag us, we might catch it and ask your permission to repost or feature it. For instance, if you tweet “Just finished a pad drive at work, collected 100 packs! #PeriodGiving,” that’s a mini-story we’d love to amplify (with your okay).
  
  
• Formats: Your story can be a short anecdote or a longer narrative. Don’t worry about making it “perfect.” We appreciate authenticity. If writing isn’t your thing, you could send us a short video or audio clip of you talking – we can transcribe or share that in some way. We can also do an interview: one of our team can chat with you (by email or phone) and then write up your story.
  
  
• Ideas and Suggestions: If you have an idea (like a campaign concept, a new Playbook activity, a partnership suggestion), you can send those the same way. Just label it as an idea if it’s not a personal story. For example, someone once wrote to us, “Hey, what if we did a ‘PeriodGiving Challenge’ in schools where boys have to carry a pad for a week to empathize?” – Great idea! We’ve added it to our brainstorm list. So no idea is too small or too “out there.”
  
  
• Consent & Anonymity: When you share, let us know how you’d like to be identified. We can use your first name, a pseudonym, or keep you completely anonymous if the story is sensitive. If it involves others (like you’re telling a story of helping a friend), make sure they’re okay with it or anonymize details. We take privacy seriously – we won’t publish anything without clear permission.
  
  
• Featuring and Credit: We might feature your story on our site, social media, or even in our annual magazine or podcast. We will credit you however you prefer (by name, or “a volunteer from Kenya,” etc.). Sharing your story means you’re giving us the okay to spread it to inspire others, but we’ll never distort it.
  
  
• Story Examples: Not sure if your story is “what we’re looking for”? If it shows generosity or a lesson related to menstrual justice, we want it. It could be as simple as: “I taught my little brother what a period is and now he reminds me to carry pads”, or as involved as “Our community built a restroom for girls – here’s how we did it.” Also, if you faced a challenge or “failure” and learned from it, that’s valuable too! We’re not just about success stories; we’re about real stories.
  
  
• Ideas Implementation: If you share an idea that we end up using in a campaign or Playbook update, we’d love to acknowledge you (again, if you’re cool with that). Or even involve you in making it happen if you want. PeriodGiving is collaborative, so consider this movement as much yours as anyone’s.
  
  

In summary, you can share via form, email, or social – whatever’s easiest. Don’t hesitate because you think “oh it’s nothing special.” Trust us, your story or idea could spark something huge in someone else’s heart. We’re excited to hear from you and amplify your voice in the fight for menstrual justice!

We use inclusive language because not all people who menstruate are women. This language ensures everyone feels seen and respected in our movement.

We believe in choice. Both disposable and reusable products are valid solutions. We support communities in accessing whichever options are most culturally appropriate, affordable, and sustainable for their specific context. Our Playbook includes actions for both.

Donations support the core infrastructure of the movement. This includes developing our Playbook and toolkits, producing our podcast, running our global campaigns, and providing data and coordination support to our network of local leaders.

The best place to start is by downloading our Playbook! It has over 20 ideas and step-by-step guides. You can also join the Collective to connect with other leaders in your area.

Safeguarding is our top priority. We operate on principles of do-no-harm, informed consent, and dignity. We provide guidance to our network leaders and have a clear policy to ensure all participants are treated with respect.

We encourage sustainable practices by promoting reusable product workshops and education on menstrual cups. We also advocate for environmentally responsible product innovation and disposal systems as part of our policy work.

Schools and faith groups are vital partners! You can host a pad drive, integrate menstrual health education into your curriculum, or organize a fundraiser. Check out the “For Orgs” section on our Take Action page for ideas.

Partnering with us offers a powerful way to engage your employees, demonstrate your commitment to gender equity, and connect your brand with an authentic, community-led global movement. Visit our “Take Action” page to learn more.

Yes, the PeriodGiving Collective is a project of, a registered [501(c)(3) or equivalent] organization. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.

Please visit our Stories & Media page for our press kit, boilerplate, and contact information. We’d love to connect with you.

We are committed to protecting your data. We will never sell or share your personal information. You can read our full privacy policy 

Our model focuses on empowering local action. The best way to volunteer is to connect with a member organization in your area or start your own PeriodGiving action using our Playbook.