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Pledge Your Period is coming back in May and it's Going to Be Bloody Fabulous

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PLEDGE YOUR PERIOD

We invite you to #PledgeYourPeriod
to provide girls in rural India with access to
menstrual health products. Make a donation
& share the message of why YOU pledge your period!" Sign up now to take the pledge

PLEDGE YOUR PERIOD

PLEDGE YOUR PERIOD

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The Desai Foundation
209 Burlington Rd, Suite 217
Bedford, MA 01730

info@thedesaifoundation.org
(781) 270-3655

The Desai Foundation

Oregon Health Authority

Wednesday May 12th

This month Oregon is sending a shipment of 300,000 BinaxNOW rapid test kits to India. These tests, which produce results in 15 minutes, will allow more cases of COVID-19 to be quickly identified so that steps can be taken to contain the virus. "Governor Kate Brown's office, OHA, Department of Administrative Services, Port of Portland and Cathay Pacific working together to send COVID-19 rapid tests is evidence of Oregon’s heart and commitment to a world view," said Akiko Saito, deputy director of OHA’s Coronavirus Response and Recovery Unit.Right now, India is in the midst of a devastating surge of COVID-19 and with it a shortage of vital supplies needed to stop the spread of the virus. Many people waiting in line for tests are turned away due to lack of supplies. "The relationships we have forged through the pandemic have made it possible to rally support to India in its time of need," said Akiko.The Desai Foundation, an organization that serves rural communities with health and livelihood programs focused on women + children in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh will ensure the kits are distributed to COVID Care & Isolation Centers, Hospitals and local health workers to ensure the tests get into the hands of the people that need it most. Oregon received 1.2 million BinaxNOW tests from the federal government in October 2020. We still have a very generous reserve of tests to use for diagnostic testing within Oregon. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Pad Project

Tuesday May 11th

As COVID-19 continues to ravage India, we are grateful that one of our NGO partners Desai Foundation is coordinating on the ground relief efforts ❤️🙌 One of the 4 communities that @desaifoundation is focusing their relief efforts in is Uttar Pradesh, home of Kathikhera, the first community The Pad Project ever worked with, pictured here in a still from @periodendofsentence ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Here is what they have promised to do with 100% of the funds raised:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〰️COVID ISOLATION & RELIEF CENTERS — They have 6 isolation and relief centers open with beds, food, medical supplies, rapid testing, sanitary napkins, medical screenings, and comfort for isolation and pre critical stage patients. They are on their way to having 10 centers.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〰️COVID SUPPORT HOTLINE (Non-Medical) - Phone number for those who have lost loved ones to call to seek guidance and support on getting aid, food, financial support, etc.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〰️COVID RAPID TESTS - They have 149,000 Abbott Rapids tests landing shortly that will be used in the COVID care centers/hospitals, and by volunteers working with local villages and soon at home.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〰️SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT - They are distributing tens of thousands of COVID kits (thermometers, sanitizer, oximeter, PPE kits, and vitamins), food kits and sanitary napkins, BiPaps, Oxygen concentrators, and ventilators are on the way.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〰️TELE-HEALTH - They have partnered with Face2Face Health to bring tele-health care into the palms of the hands of people in remote areas. Thanks to volunteer Doctors in the US & India, this platform will be live on Monday.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〰️SUPPORT WOMEN - They are in touch with the hundreds of thousands of women they serve trying to support them in any way they can. We know that women are bearing the brunt of the COVID repercussions, and we are working tirelessly to provide them with the resources they need. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Join us in supporting Desai Foundation relief efforts. https://thedesaifoundation.org/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀#PledgeYourPeriod ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Tuesday May 11th

Thank you to Soo Youn and The Lily for highlighting the effects of the pandemic on period poverty in India. “With everybody being so close together at home in isolation or in lockdown, the person who goes out to get by the pads, whether they be male or female, the girls don’t have the confidence to say, ‘Hey, can you add pads to the list?’ That’s a huge problem for the long-term strength of society and specifically for women’s empowerment,” explains our President, Megha Desai. This is exactly why we are forging ahead with our #pledgeyourperiod campaign this year and continuing to talk about the fact that periods don't stop for pandemics!Find out more at www.pledgeyourperiod.com ... See MoreSee Less

In the depths of a coronavirus crisis, period poverty is worsening in India

www.thelily.com

It can cause further stress during what’s already an extremely traumatic time for many Indians.

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Desai Foundation

Monday May 10th

Sadly, the pandemic has made it even harder for bleeders around the world to be able to afford or even access menstrual hygiene supplies. Studies show that 47% of women worldwide have said the pandemic has been harder to get menstrual supplies and 51% report having less money to buy them. We have been working hard since the start COVID to distribute our Asani Sanitary Napkins for free in rural India, and all money raised from our Pledge Your Period campaign this month will go towards our goal of distributing 500k FREE pads this month! Pledge and donate now in order to help all who bleed have a healthy period - because periods don’t stop for pandemics! Visit www.pledgeyourperiod.com to learn more and donate now.#pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth #covidindia #covidindia ... See MoreSee Less

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Desai Foundation

Friday May 7th

Period poverty affects women and girls around the world - and it’s time for it to stop! Help us normalize periods and end the cycle of period stigma and poverty by pledging your period to the Desai Foundation in honor of menstrual hygiene month. This year, we want you to show us that you are BLOODY FABULOUS and nominate at least three friends to do the same. Plus, all donations will go toward sending our Asani Sanitary Napkins to the women affected by the COVID crisis in India..Anjali Kumar Nitika Chopra Chef Palak Patel Poorna Jagannathan Joya Dass Sasha Grey Sheetal Sheth Meah Pace Falu Nathalie Molina Niño Sam Jones Ari Afsar Madame Gandhi.#pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth ... See MoreSee Less

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The Desai Foundation Follow

Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

Thank you to @lalasoo and @thelily for highlighting the effects of the pandemic on period poverty in India. This is exactly why we are forging ahead with our #pledgeyourperiod campaign this year. https://www.thelily.com/in-the-depths-of-a-coronavirus-crisis-period-poverty-is-worsening-in-india/

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Desai Foundation @DesaiFoundation·

The pandemic has made it even harder for bleeders around the world to be able to afford or even access menstrual hygiene supplies. That's why all money raised from our #Pledgeyourperiod campaign this month will go towards our goal of distributing 500k FREE pads in rural India.

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Retweet on Twitter Desai Foundation Retweeted

Grace Meng@Grace4NY·

Proud to be part of this discussion in finding solutions to menstrual equity and also ways to help humanitarian crisis in India. https://twitter.com/DesaiFoundation/status/1389626793951469570

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The Desai Foundation

Sadly, the pandemic has made it even harder for bl

Sadly, the pandemic has made it even harder for bleeders around the world to be able to afford or even access menstrual hygiene supplies. Studies show that 47% of women worldwide have said the pandemic has been harder to get menstrual supplies and 51% report having less money to buy them. We have been working hard since the start COVID to distribute our Asani Sanitary Napkins for free in rural India, and all money raised from our Pledge Your Period campaign this month will go towards our goal of distributing 500k FREE pads this month! Pledge and donate now in order to help all who bleed have a healthy period - because periods don’t stop for pandemics! 🔗 for more info & to donate in bio. #pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth #covidindia #covidindia

Period poverty affects women and girls around the

Period poverty affects women and girls around the world - and it’s time for it to stop! Help us normalize periods and end the cycle of period stigma and poverty by pledging your period to the Desai Foundation in honor of menstrual hygiene month. This year, we want you to show us that you are BLOODY FABULOUS and nominate at least three friends to do the same. Plus, all donations will go toward sending our Asani Sanitary Napkins to the women affected by the COVID crisis in India. .
@anjalikumar @nitikachopra @palakpatel @poornagraphy_ @cindygallup @joyadass @sashagrey @sheetalsheth @meahpace @charlottedouglas @ericaberger @falumusic @nathaliemolinanino @samjones @soniapatel @ariafsar @madameghandi
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#pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth

As promised, our next progress report! There is st

As promised, our next progress report! There is still so much work to be done for the millions suffering. We are overwhelmed by your generosity. We’ve raised nearly $200,000 from all over the world. Thank you for supporting this cause. Remember 100% of donations are matched. And 100% of these funds go directly to the local communities. THANK YOU!

It’s officially time to Pledge Your Period and s

It’s officially time to Pledge Your Period and show the world that you are BLOODY FABULOUS. There are many ways to participate in the campaign this year — including attending the launch event on Thursday and getting your very own BLOODY FABULOUS sweater from @LinguaFrancanyc - available on May 12th! Get your free launch event ticket here: bit.ly/pyp-launch or follow the link in our bio. .
@meghatron5 @scohen13 @jenniferweisswolf @amisheth @tashorama @padproject @boxed @periodequity @grace4ny @topekaksam
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#pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth

We’re excited to announce that Rep. Grace Meng,

We’re excited to announce that Rep. Grace Meng, Jennifer Weiss-Wolf & Topeka Sam will be joining our Pledge Your Period launch panel on Thursday, in addition to the fabulous panelists already announced. You’re not going to want to miss this lively discussion on period poverty, how we can fight against it, and in encouragement of the open sharing of period stories and experiences that help to normalize and remove the stigma around bleeding. Plus, all who donate the suggested amount to attend the event will automatically be entered to win a BLOODY FABULOUS sweater from @linguafrancanyc! And because periods don’t stop for pandemics, we’re directing all funds raised from the event to providing free menstrual hygiene supplies to the women hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis in India. .
@meghatron5 @scohen13 @jenniferweisswolf @amisheth @tashorama @padproject @boxed @periodequity @grace4ny @topekaksam
. #pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #onlineevent #paneldiscussion #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth

While we are currently laser-focused on deploying

While we are currently laser-focused on deploying critical interventions to the COVID-19 crisis in India, much of our work continues to focus on supporting women and menstrual health. For that reason - and since periods don't stop for pandemics - we are also moving ahead with our annual Pledge Your Period campaign! Women are the backbone of our community, and they are going to need our support more than ever on the long road to recovery in India. All funds raised from this year’s Pledge Your Period campaign will help send our Asani Sanitary Napkins to the schools, hospitals and centers that are responding to the COVID crisis in India, and our many other programs dedicated to empowering women. There are many ways to participate in the campaign this year — in addition to posting and pledging/donating, you can donate $25+ to get a BLOODY FABULOUS sticker, attend the launch event on Thursday — and get your very own BLOODY FABULOUS sweater from Lingua Franca starting on May 12th (stay tuned for more info). We can’t wait to learn about how you are BLOODY FABULOUS! #pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth #india #desaifoundation

We are heartbroken by the current situation in Ind

We are heartbroken by the current situation in India, but we've been hard at work mobilizing to address the immediate needs of the populations we serve in Gujarat, & Maharashtra. Through working with our wide network of partners on the ground, in the past week we've made progress on setting up COVID isolation & relief centers with food screening and care, a help desk, distributing masks, PPE, rapid PCR tests, needed medical equipment, and providing support for women through menstrual supplies and other resources. Thank you to all who have supported us and made these efforts possible so far! But, our work is not done, and we still need help sourcing and shipping medical supplies and preparing for the long road to recovery. All donations to COVID relief fund are being matched by 100%, please donate through the link in our bio! (bit.ly/COVIDIndia)
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#COVIDrelief #india #COVIDinindia #womenshealth #childrenshealth #PPE #menstrualhealth #IndiafightsCOVID #donate #philanthropy #fundraising #desaifoundation #IndiaNeedsOxygen #indianeedshelp

Love this image @ninadavuluri. Thanks to everyone

Love this image @ninadavuluri. Thanks to everyone for the support over the last several days. Can’t wait to update you on all the progress that has been made! But we have so much to do! WHAT CAN I DO? That is what everyone is asking.... 1. DONATE - either to us or to whomever else you trust 2. CALL YOUR LOCAL REPS - call your local US representatives to ensure that US follows through on its promise to send aide, remind them that this issue is important to you! 3. CALL YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS - in India. They need to know you see them, support them, and that they are not alone. 4. USE YOUR SKILLS - are you great at logistics, call an NGO and say - hey I can help you ship stuff! Are you great at understanding jargon for therapeutics - call an NGO and say, can I help you source the right stuff! 5. THIS AFFECTS ALL OF US - If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that this world is deeply connected, and WE are all deeply connected. The longer and more chaotic this continues in India - it affects every corner of the globe. So remind folks of this - that think this doesn't affect them.
♥️🙏🏾💔

Pledge Your Period officially starts next Saturday

Pledge Your Period officially starts next Saturday May 1st! Wondering why you should pledge? Sadly, 75% of women in India are at risk of getting an infection because they lack education on proper menstrual hygiene, and 20% of girls in America have missed school due to lack of period protection. But, the more we talk about periods, the closer we get to ending the cycle of period stigma and poverty. Last year, our Pledge Your Period campaign got over 16M people talking and thinking about periods, also raising funds to help us distribute free period supplies in rural India during the pandemic through our Asani Sanitary Napkin program. So get ready to pledge and help us end the cycle of period stigma and poverty by making 2021 BLOODY FABULOUS!
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#pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #womenshealth #endperiodpoverty #india #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womensempowerment #desaifoundation

We’re so excited to get our Pledge Your Period c

We’re so excited to get our Pledge Your Period campaign started with an all-star panel of thought leaders and influencers in the menstrual hygiene space! Join us on Thursday May 6th (time TBD) for a lively discussion of period poverty and how we can fight it, featuring: @meghatron5 @scohen13 @jenniferweisswolf @amisheth @tashorama - plus more panelists to be announced. Follow the link in our bio to make a donation and join us. All those who donate $35+ will automatically be entered to win a BLOODY FABULOUS sweater from @linguafrancanyc (stay tuned for more details!). bit.ly/pyp-launch .
@thepadproject @periodequity @boxedwholesale  #pledgeyourperiod #bloodyfabulous #desaifoundation #linguafranca #onlineevent #paneldiscussion #periodsarenormal #stopperiodshame #enperiodstigma #womensempowerment #menstrualhealth

We are so excited to announce that Diwali on the H

We are so excited to announce that Diwali on the Hudson, NYC’s premier Diwali party, will be back in-person in NYC this year! Save the date of Wednesday October 20th for an evening of drinks, food, dancing and entertainment — with all proceeds benefiting our health, education and livelihood programs in rural India. Follow the link in our bio to get your tickets now - it will be a night to remember!   
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#diwalionthehudson #desaifoundation #diwali #nyc #party #entertainment #fundraiser

We are so proud to be serving women like Chetanabe

We are so proud to be serving women like Chetanaben through our women’s health camps which offer FREE check-ups and treatment for their needs, as well as essential health information that they were otherwise lacking exposure to. Learn more about the various health camps we offer by visiting the link in our bio. .
#fridaysfromthefield #health #womenshealth #endperiodpoverty #india #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womensempowerment #desaifoundation

Happy World Health Day! During this day of awarene

Happy World Health Day! During this day of awareness, we would like to highlight just how important our health initiatives are now more than ever to serve the needs of some of the hardest hit communities due to COVID-19. We offer various programs that focus on general health, vision, gynecological + menstrual health, and hygiene. Learn more about these programs and how you can get involved by following the link in our bio!   
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#worldhealthday #womenshealth #endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womensempowerment #desaifoundation

Imagine experiencing an entirely normal bodily fun

Imagine experiencing an entirely normal bodily function, but being barred from your daily activities as a result. This can include entering religious temples, being in the kitchen and making food, or even touching another person. This is the case for some parts of India, in which about 77% of women face restrictions like these during menstruation. No doubt that the myths surrounding menstruation lead to a negative impact on a woman’s emotional state, lifestyle, and health. Let’s put an end to this cycle of taboos and promote healthy periods for all! #endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation #menstrualmonday #pledgeyourperiod

Remember how much fun we had pledging our periods

Remember how much fun we had pledging our periods in honor of menstrual hygiene month last year? This year’s Pledge Your Period campaign will be BLOODY FABULOUS, so get ready to start pledging on May 1st!
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#pledgeyourperiod #menstrualhygienemonth #desaifoundation #bloodyfabulous #womenshealth #menstrualhygiene #endperiodpoverty #endperiodstigma

Sports play a pivotal role in fostering leadership

Sports play a pivotal role in fostering leadership skills and confidence among children and teens. But girls drop out of sports at two times the rate of their male counterparts. As their bodies change, they often tend to feel increased self-awareness and low self-image due to the social stigmas around periods. Let’s end this cycle by normalizing menstruation and helping girls stay in the game! #endperiodstigma #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation

We can’t quite contain our excitement that we’

We can’t quite contain our excitement that we’ll be able to gather in-person again with you for the Lotus Festival this year. This one-of-a-kind evening always features some of the country’s top talent and thought leaders, and this year will be no different. Save the date of September 17th and stay tuned to learn who will be lighting up the Lotus Festival stage this year! @ariafsar @robynglaser @jillellis @payalkadakia @nilofermerchant @jonbatiste @falu @harshithakrishnan @aleifhamdan @anjulaacharia @avantinagral .
#lotusfestival #desaifoundation #gala #philanthropy #fundraising #september #savethedate

This World Water Day, we would like to highlight h

This World Water Day, we would like to highlight how important it is for women’s menstrual health to have access to safe water. In India, a shocking 23% of women drop out of school once they reach puberty due to a lack of clean water and sanitation facilities. Let’s work together to change this by continuing to talk about periods and the need for everyone around the world to have access to clean water! Let us know what you think in the comments, and follow the link in our bio to learn more about our menstrual health initiatives in rural India. #endperiodpoverty #periodsarenormal #menstrualhygiene #womenshealth #womensempowerment #keepgirlsinschool #desaifoundation #worldwaterday #cleanwater

Our team in India really spread the joy of Interna

Our team in India really spread the joy of International Women’s Day last week with celebratory energy both to honor the women we serve and the women behind the scenes of it all! Throughout the week, the team facilitated conversations discussing the importance of International Women’s Day and why we celebrate. We are so proud of all that they do to elevate the health & livelihood women in rural India, all year round. Follow the link in our bio to learn more. .
#fridaywins #womensempowerment #internationalwomensweek #india #desaifoundation

Thank you to @sincerelyhueman for featuring our Pr

Thank you to @sincerelyhueman for featuring our President, @meghatron5, and highlighting the work we do to elevate the health and livelihood of women and children in rural India. Find Sincerely Hueman on apple podcasts, spotify or through the link in our bio to listen to the full episode! @camillelaurente @maverickAquino .
#sincerelyhueman #podcast #womensempowerment #periodpoverty #menstrualhealth #childrenshealth #education #livelhood #desaifoundation #india

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