Breaking the Silence: How One Teen is Making Period Products More Accessible

Miri Ahuja, a 14-year-old from San Jose, wasn’t just worried about homework or weekend plans like most kids her age. Instead, she took on a challenge many adults shy away from: ensuring people in her community could easily access period products. Through her project, Period Positive Drive, she organized a donation effort that gathered 4, 278 menstrual items for HomeFirst, an organization supporting unhoused individuals in Santa Clara County. The donations weren’t random; Miri carefully picked a variety of products—regular pads, overnight options, and even organic brands—to meet different needs.But her work went beyond just gathering supplies. Miri wanted to spark real conversations about menstrual health, a topic often ignored in public discussions. She pointed out that periods aren’t just a "women’s issue"—they affect everyone, whether they personally experience it or know someone who does. By involving people of all genders in the conversation, she hopes to reduce stigma and increase awareness. The donation made a noticeable difference for HomeFirst, which rarely receives such large contributions of menstrual products. The organization serves hundreds of unhoused people, where period supplies are among the most needed but least donated items. Miri’s drive included specifics: 2, 622 pads, 1, 240 liners, and smaller quantities of specialized items like overnight pads and hygiene wipes. This variety ensured recipients had what they needed for comfort and dignity.