Project=MC: Transforming Menstrual Health Options

Painting the newly constructed cubbies prior to installation

Troop 3389 in Prosper is sparking creativity with an innovative project aimed at breaking taboos and empowering girls. The project, Project=MC (Menstrual Cubby) has earned them the Girl Scout Silver Award. Cadette members Aanya Lakhani (13), Nidhi Chinchani (12), and Sofia Andrade (14) spearheaded the initiative.

The project addresses an under-acknowledged aspect of menstrual health preferences. Some prefer to discretely conceal their tampons or sanitary napkins when walking to the restroom, but this was not always an easily accessible option for girls in elementary and upper schools at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School in Prosper.

To tackle this challenge, the girls devised "menstrual cubbies" — discreet wooden storage units placed in school bathrooms, equipped with an inner basket or unit. These cubbies offer a private and convenient space for girls to store their menstrual supplies, eliminating the need to carry them openly to the bathroom multiple times each day. The project prioritizes sustainability, with the cubbies constructed from wood, ensuring long-lasting durability and eco-friendliness.

The project's inception was inspired by the personal experiences of these enterprising Girl Scouts who had faced difficulties with carrying their own menstrual supplies to their school’s restrooms. So, they took the initiative to collect data through a Google form and discovered that many of their peers felt the same way. The overwhelming responses gave them the determination to proceed with the project.

One of the cubbies in its place in the restroom

An essential aspect of this service project was the potential for replication in other schools, amplifying a positive impact on a broader scale. The project's affordability and straightforward implementation make it easily adaptable to various school environments.

Project=MC’s success exemplifies Girl Scout qualities of fostering empathy and leading with practical solutions. It also supports girl empowerment, normalizing the menstrual experience in schools and supporting girls during a crucial stage of their lives.

The girls would like to express their thanks to Susan Flanagan, principal at St. Martin de Porres, who supported the project's implementation. They also extend gratitude to their family, friends, and the community for participating in the survey.

Additionally, they thank Anil Patel, who not only helped build the cubbies but also shared his woodworking expertise. His guidance was instrumental in keeping the project within budget and ensuring its success.

Project=MC is more than just a Silver Award-earning success; it's an impressive testament to the transformative power of young minds dedicated to making a positive change for peers in their schools. Congratulations to these three Cadettes!

October 31, 2023