# Menstrual Equity in the Peace Corps Act

This bill requires the Peace Corps to make sure that volunteers who menstruate have access to menstrual products while serving abroad. Right now, Peace Corps volunteers in many countries struggle to find or afford period products, which can interfere with their ability to do their jobs and participate fully in their communities. The bill addresses this by requiring the Peace Corps director to create a policy within six months that either gives volunteers extra money to buy these products themselves or provides the products directly to them, depending on what each volunteer prefers.

The policy has to be thoughtful about local conditions. It needs to consider whether menstrual products are even available to buy in the country where a volunteer is stationed, how much they cost compared to what volunteers earn, and what cultural attitudes exist around menstruation in that region. If the Peace Corps decides to increase volunteers' stipends (their regular allowance), the bill requires that the extra money be enough to fully cover the cost of the products they need—not just a partial amount.

This mainly affects Peace Corps volunteers, particularly women and non-binary volunteers who menstruate. It also affects the Peace Corps as an organization, since they'll need to budget for either higher stipends or purchasing and distributing products. The practical impact is that volunteers won't have to choose between buying period products and other necessities, and they'll be able to work and serve their communities without the stress and health concerns that come from lacking access to basic menstrual supplies.

Menstrual Equity in the Peace Corps Act

Meng, Grace

Menstrual Equity in the Peace Corps Act This bill requires the Peace Corps to ensure access to menstrual products for its volunteers who require them, either by increasing stipends for these products or providing these products to its volunteers.