CLEVELAND, Ohio — The National Organization for Women cited a Brown University study that found women spend about $20 on feminine hygiene products per menstruation cycle.

Recognizing this as a factor in equity for women, the majority of Cleveland City Council last year signed on to Councilwoman Jasmin Santa's ordinance to provide free feminine hygiene products in Cleveland City Hall and in neighborhood resource and recreation centers. The change took effect Monday. 

Dana Marlowe, the founder of nonprofit organization I Support the Girls, believes menstrual products should be as accessible as other basic necessities. 

“The same way that you would expect to walk into public places and have access to toilet paper in the restroom, it’s nice when City Council members say we want to make sure we’re able to provide menstrual hygiene products as well,” she said.

Marlowe's organization distributes feminine hygiene products to people across the United States. 

“Period poverty and menstrual equity exist,” she said. 

Marlowe expressed hope that other organizations follow Cleveland City Council.

“When other small businesses or large corporations see that Cleveland City Hall is doing this, absolutely they’re looking to their local government to pave the way,” she said.

The state of Ohio stopped taxing period products years ago. Marlowe explained how essential these products are for people who menstruate. 

“Everyone deserves equal access to menstrual hygiene products,” she said.