WIT also makes first donation of WITKITS in the nation’s capital
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.
Congresswoman Lois Frankel of New York, on the left, and Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama, on the right, flanks the WIT Young Leaders during their weeklong STEM, Arts and Government (SAG) Tour of the Nation's Capital. The tour was generously sponsored by the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium.
“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).
Congresswoman Grace Meng of new York interviews Brooke and Breanna Bennett, founders of Women in Training, about their vision to end period poverty.
“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.”
Women in Training leaders Brooke and Breanna Bennett with Democratic Women’s Caucus leaders and members (L-R: Bradley Bennett, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Lois Frankel, Brooke Bennett, Rep. Terri Sewell, Breanna Bennett)
Fourteen 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.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell conducted a tour of the U.S. Capitol with the WIT Young Leaders, highlighting the Rotunda, the Rosa Parks statue and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. bust.
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.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, took a few moments to chat with the WIT founders about their mission to end period poverty.
Rep. Frankel, Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, 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.”
Congresswoman Lois Frankel of Florida (with the microphone) co-chairs the Democratic Women's Caucus. On her left is Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama, and Breanna and Brooke Bennett, the WIT founders. On the far right is Congresswoman Grace Meng of New York who is leading a national effort to end period poverty.
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.
A pack of Always sanitary pads is the signature product in the monthly Women in Training WITKITS donations to menstruators in need.