WASHINGTON – The Democratic Women’s Caucus welcomed Women in Training (WIT) to the U.S. Capitol last week to share their fight to end period poverty. WIT, led by 14-year-old founders Brooke and Breanna Bennett, brought their message of youth empowerment for menstrual equity and education to lawmakers along with their first delivery of WITKITS, packages of menstrual and other basic hygiene products for people in need.
“I am so inspired by these young ladies and I want my colleagues in Congress to learn about their efforts to end period poverty,” said Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY-06). “They are making an impact on the lives of many young people and helping draw attention to an important issue that affects the lives of people in need, here and across the world.”
Fifteen members of the WIT Leadership Development Circle, consisting of high school girls from Central Alabama, spoke on June 16 with members of the Women’s Caucus about their success in working with Alabama state legislators to pass legislation that would provide Title I schools with grant money to provide period products for students.
Rep. Meng, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL-07) and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-21) addressed comments to the girls, encouraging them in their leadership and fight against period poverty.
“These young women are demonstrating amazing leadership and compassion for those in their community and across the world that are in need,” said Rep. Sewell. “I encourage them to continue to make their voices heard, at home in Alabama and here in the halls of the Capitol.”
Rep. Frankel, Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Office went on to say, “The work done by Brooke and Breanna is nothing short of remarkable. Their leadership to help end period poverty and lift up marginalized communities gives me hope that this is a solvable problem in America.”
Procter & Gamble donated Always period products, Secret deodorant, Oral-B toothpaste, toothbrush and floss for the WITKITS Washington Giveaway which will go to underserved people in Washington, D.C., through the Covenant House of Greater Washington.
###
About Women In Training Inc.
Founded in 2019, WIT is a nonprofit organization that distributes WITKITS containing essential menstrual, hygiene and dental products to underserved youth in need. WIT has distributed more than 15,000 WITKITS to girls and women in need across Alabama. WITKITS include menstrual pads, soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, deodorant, socks, a journal and a hand-made bracelet with a positive message. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago, WITKITS have also included personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves and bottles of WIT hand sanitizer.