By Ilana Hamer Ilana Hamer is a rising junior in the Joint Program with Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, studying Human Rights, Sociology, and Jewish Ethics. Outside of school, Ilana enjoys debating meaningful issues with her friends, teaching students at a synagogue in New York, and volunteering with Camp Kesem, a camp for children who … Continue reading Menstrual stigma has stained society, and schools have done nothing to stop the leak
The upsides of the forbidden birth control pill for unmarried women and girls
By Tasnia Shahjahan This op-ed was first published on BrownGirl Magazine on May 28, 2020. Tasnia Shahjahan is a graduate student in the Human Rights Studies program at Columbia University. Her research explores violence against women, gender justice and legal advocacy, amongst South Asian communities. Beyond her academic career, she has worked as a domestic … Continue reading The upsides of the forbidden birth control pill for unmarried women and girls
#EmergingMenstrualVoices call for a bolder menstrual movement that’s radical, political, and holistic
Inga T. Winkler Judy Chicago, Red Flag, 1971, photo-lithograph, 20 x 24in. © Judy Chicago Bloody, bold discussions took center stage in January 2020, as a group of nineteen students and five instructors embarked on a semester-long exploration of menstruation through (almost) every possible lens. Concluding just before the world celebrates menstruation on May 28th, … Continue reading #EmergingMenstrualVoices call for a bolder menstrual movement that’s radical, political, and holistic
Bleeding While Competing
By Julia Kepczynska Julia Kepczynska is a rising senior majoring in Human Rights in the Dual BA between Columbia University and Sciences Po. A self-proclaimed athlete, she frequently enjoys playing and watching tennis, and is currently training to run the 2020 NYC Marathon in November. When the news of the 2020 Olympic Games postponement broke, thousands … Continue reading Bleeding While Competing
Reconsidering What is Essential: Pads Behind Bars
By Lauren Winters Lauren Winters is a graduate of Columbia University, with concentrations in Political Science and Human Rights. Outside of her studies, she works in civil society and volunteers for Self Offense, an anti-harassment organization. Toilet paper is not the only thing being stockpiled during this COVID-19 crisis. In the past two weeks, major retailers have … Continue reading Reconsidering What is Essential: Pads Behind Bars
Getting Off Red Handed: The Taboo-busting Power of Menstrual Masturbation
By Rowena Kosher Rowena Kosher (she/her) is a student at Columbia University studying Human Rights with a Concentration in Gender & Sexuality studies. Her research engages with queer theory, sociological approaches, gender, and activism. She is also the co-editor of Columbia’s Human Rights blog, RightsViews. You can find her on Instagram @rowena_kosher. “YOU are your … Continue reading Getting Off Red Handed: The Taboo-busting Power of Menstrual Masturbation
Unraveling the Menstrual Concealment Myth
By Mary Olson Mary Olson is a rising senior at Columbia University, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Economics and Human Rights. In addition to researching menstruation, Mary enjoys studying economic development, following drama at the Federal Reserve, and reminding her peers that her home state of Minnesota is not “flyover country.” Despite today’s economic turbulence, there is one … Continue reading Unraveling the Menstrual Concealment Myth
The default body is extinct. Today’s bodies menstruate.
By Alexis Buncich Alexis Buncich is a senior at Columbia University studying English, with a focus on theater and human rights. Her work has also been published by The Columbia Daily Spectator and on her personal blog, abunchoflife.com. The gender gap in medical research is well known. Research is conducted on bodies that all fit into the … Continue reading The default body is extinct. Today’s bodies menstruate.
The COVID-19 ‘Baby Boom,’ Contraception and Why I Could Not Wait for my First ‘Quarantine Period’
By Nay Alhelou Nay Alhelou is a Human Rights Research Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights and an MA candidate in Human Rights Studies at Columbia University. Her research focuses on the intersection of human rights, health and social factors. If you’ve been spending any time on your social media while in quarantine, … Continue reading The COVID-19 ‘Baby Boom,’ Contraception and Why I Could Not Wait for my First ‘Quarantine Period’
Menstrual Health & Gender Justice 