2020
WHEN GIRLS THRIVE
In 2020, FCI supported a coalition of nonprofits including Alliance for Girls, the Young Women's Freedom Center, Teen Success and others to provide real-time data analytics during the COVID-19 pandemic - creating the first statewide dataset on the status of girls during this time. Analysis of the data was done through the lens of intersectionality.
To keep policymakers apprised of the unique needs of girls and gender-expansive youth, FCI produced monthly data analyses and visualizations depicting the needs of over 1,000 girls and gender-expansive youth across the state of California. This data was distributed to dozens of local and state legislators, leading to significant public budget allocations for the unique needs of girls and gender-expansive youth during this time.
Impact
Together with our partners we were able to identify and address the need for menstrual products for girls experiencing severe poverty in the pandemic, with the successful allocation of free period products at every Oakland Unified School District food distribution site, and over $1 million allocated to address period poverty in Santa Clara County with the Office of Women’s Policy, FIRST 5, the County Office of Education and other health partners coordinating outreach and distribution. Moreover, this model for addressing period poverty supported advocacy for state bill AB 367 which was signed into law in 2021 requiring all public schools serving students in grades 6 to 12, Community Colleges, and California State Universities to stock restrooms with an adequate supply of free menstrual products.
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