Amika George: The Young Activist Fighting for Free Period Products.

Amika George: The Young Activist Fighting for Free Period Products

Introduction

Amika George is a passionate and determined youth activist who has made an indelible mark on the global conversation around menstrual equity. At just 17 years old, she founded the #FreePeriods campaign, a movement that calls for free period products to be made available to students across the United Kingdom. Her fight against period poverty has raised awareness about the harsh reality many young girls face when they cannot afford essential period products, and it has sparked important conversations about menstrual health and gender equality.

Early Life and Inspiration

Amika was born in the UK in 2002, where she grew up with a strong sense of social justice. From a young age, she was driven by a desire to tackle inequality and advocate for those whose voices were often overlooked. While still in school, Amika came across a heartbreaking fact: many girls in the UK were missing school due to a lack of access to period products. This revelation became a turning point for Amika, who was shocked to learn that period poverty was a widespread issue affecting many young people.

Her decision to act came in 2017, when she was just 17 years old. After learning that thousands of school-age girls were unable to afford sanitary products and had to choose between buying food and purchasing menstrual products, Amika knew she had to take a stand.

Launching the #FreePeriods Campaign

In response to the widespread issue of period poverty, Amika George founded the #FreePeriods campaign in 2017, urging the UK government to provide free menstrual products to students in need. Her message was simple yet powerful: access to period products should not be a privilege—it is a basic necessity.

Amika’s campaign quickly gained traction, drawing support from students, parents, and activists alike. Through social media and grassroots organizing, Amika rallied her peers and others to join her cause, pushing for systemic change in the way period poverty was addressed in the UK. She utilized her platform to call out the unfairness of the situation and raise awareness about the link between menstrual poverty and educational inequality.

The Impact of #FreePeriods

Amika’s activism led to substantial progress in addressing period poverty in the UK. In 2020, her efforts culminated in the UK government’s decision to provide free period products in schools across England, a landmark victory in the fight for menstrual equality. The move ensured that girls who were previously forced to miss school because of a lack of sanitary products could now access what they needed to participate fully in their education.

Beyond this success, Amika’s campaign has sparked important conversations about menstrual health, the stigma surrounding periods, and the need for comprehensive education on reproductive health. Through her work, Amika has worked tirelessly to break the silence around menstruation and challenge the taboos that continue to surround it.

Advocacy Beyond #FreePeriods

While Amika is best known for her work with the #FreePeriods campaign, she has continued to advocate for social justice issues related to gender equality, women’s health, and youth empowerment. She has used her voice to advocate for more policies and programs that prioritize the health and well-being of girls and women around the world.

In addition to her activism, Amika has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for her work, including being named a BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Power List honoree and winning the Teen Vogue ‘Young Leader’ award. Her platform as a young activist has allowed her to speak at events, work with organizations, and continue her efforts to address menstrual inequality.

The Power of Youth Activism

Amika George’s story highlights the power of youth activism and how young people can create real, meaningful change. Her courage to tackle an issue that affects millions of young girls is an example of how determination, passion, and the willingness to speak out can lead to tangible results.

Amika’s journey has also emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing, social media, and community engagement. By leveraging her digital presence, she was able to rally young people to join the #FreePeriods movement, proving that the voices of young people, when united, can hold governments and institutions accountable for social justice issues.

Lessons from Amika George’s Activism

• One Voice Can Make a Difference: Amika’s advocacy for free period products shows that even one individual’s voice can spark a widespread movement for change.
• Be Bold and Speak Up: Amika’s courage to tackle a taboo subject at a young age encourages others to speak out against injustices and fight for what’s right.
• Empathy Drives Action: Amika’s deep empathy for the struggles faced by girls due to period poverty drove her to act, demonstrating that understanding others’ challenges can inspire meaningful action.
• Youth Power Is Real: Amika’s success proves that youth activism has the power to change policy, challenge inequality, and raise awareness about critical issues affecting society.
• End the Stigma Around Menstruation: Amika’s advocacy has helped break down the stigmas surrounding menstruation, encouraging more open dialogue and making menstruation a topic worthy of public discussion.

Conclusion

Amika George’s work with the #FreePeriods campaign has been a game-changer in the fight against period poverty and menstrual inequality. Through her dedication, she has not only helped ensure that young girls in the UK have access to essential period products but also created a global conversation about menstrual rights and women’s health.

Amika’s activism serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that young people can have on society and how fighting for justice can lead to real, systemic change. As she continues her work, Amika remains a passionate advocate for women’s rights, youth empowerment, and breaking the taboos that continue to perpetuate inequality. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who believes in the power of activism to create a better, more equitable world for all.