Grassroots to Global
Established in 2020, Menstrual Rights Global SC053433 (formerly Pandemic Periods) is a global group of volunteers on a mission to drive sexual and reproductive health rights – specifically knowledge and expertise in menstrual health at the country level. We convene multi-sectoral partners to champion menstrual health is a gateway to discussing broader sexual and reproductive health rights. Our multicultural, interdisciplinary, and regionally diverse group from over 40 countries works together to push the global narrative to ensure menstrual health is included on the global health agenda and to feed into the indicators for the UN’s sustainable development goals (2030). We practice ethical leadership and discussion and aim to elevate each other. Together, we are more robust and more creative.
Leadership
Dr. Jennifer Martin
CEO, Scotland
Jenni has led the global menstrual health movement, Menstrual Rights Global, since its inception in 2020. She continues transforming global menstrual health by elevating activists from 27 countries by offering them a platform to share their unique insights into menstrual health in their context. Jenni is a dedicated activist; she has advocated for menstrual health since 2014 through grassroots initiatives and global programmes. She founded Women in Global Health Finland, is committed to supporting early career professionals to break into the global health market, and is a mentor to several young women worldwide.
Jenni is an award-winning researcher, technical specialist, and activist with over 15 years of experience in public health programmes focusing on gender equality, social innovation, and sexual and reproductive health in > 50 countries.
She has an NIHR-funded PhD in Public Health from the University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and a master’s from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Antonia Cañizares
Youth Council Chair, Ecuador
Antonia Cañizares is a dedicated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activist, researcher, and the Chair of the Global Youth Council. Her work primarily focuses on improving menstrual health and supporting young leaders. In Ecuador, Antonia initiated “Dignified Period,” a project aimed at enhancing menstrual health conditions and challenging societal norms.
Her involvement with the Global Youth Council underscores her commitment to youth advocacy, highlighted by her organization of a bilingual event and contributions to discussions on global issues. Antonia also shares her insights and experiences through opinion pieces, furthering the conversation on menstrual health and youth empowerment.
Antonia’s work is driven by her belief in the importance of inclusive dialogue and the power of grassroots initiatives in creating meaningful change.
Sabrina Browne
Board Chair, USA
Sabrina Browne is an award-winning PR Executive, menstrual equality advocate, and DEI champion. Starting her career off at legacy Burson-Marsteller in 2016, Sabrina quickly proved herself to be a rising star within the agency.
Outside of the office, Sabrina advocates for menstrual equality in the Garden State and works to eradicate period poverty. One in five American girls has missed school due to period poverty according to Always, the leader in feminine care. To date, Sabrina has secured more than 6,000 menstrual health products to support women and girls at risk.
Sabrina’s advocacy is fuelled by her personal adversity and passion, as well as the relationships she’s cultivated through her various board roles. She serves on leadership boards for Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Pace University’s Lubin School of Business, and PRSA-NY.
To date, Sabrina has received many awards and recognitions including Crain’s Notable in Marketing and PR Award, PRSA-NY’s 15 Under 35 Award, and Top 100 Women Leaders of New Jersey.
Global Youth Council
Kaira Joshee
India
Kaira is a 17-year-old changemaker and aspiring lawyer on a mission to weave positive change into the fabric of society. She is dedicated to her goal of creating a better world. She has years of volunteer experiences that showcases her commitment to making a tangible impact.Her diversified interests and love for reading, sports, and music, has aided her journey as an advocate for change. Kaira initiated “Project Chai,” a venture aimed at educating and empowering the youth on current affairs.
Ivy Kutswa
Kenya
Ivy is a passionate gender equality advocate and a student currently studying Mathematics and Computer Science. Her journey extends beyond academia as she champions various causes, including girls’ rights and economic empowerment for teen mothers. She is also dedicated to educating young people about their rights and actively voicing them. Ivy envisions merging technology with advocacy, seeking innovative ways to bring positive change. Her love for writing serves as a powerful tool to amplify her voice and drive for impactful change in society.
Zainab Ainouni
Morocco
Zainab is a dedicated advocate for conflict resolution and human rights promotion. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and has been awarded a prestigious full scholarship from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to expand her expertise in conflict resolution and security matters.
Zainab’s work has been centered around promoting human rights and conflict resolution. She has actively worked to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and environmental sustainability. Zainab’s dedication to making a positive impact on society has earned her recognition as a leader in her field.
Sumani Nafisah
Ghana
Nafisah Sumani, hailing from Northern Ghana, is an inspiring young leader spearheading transformative change as the Founder and Executive Director of AID4Girls. A seasoned activist in SRHR, gender equality, and climate justice, Nafisah blends her academic expertise in Bachelors Degree in Development Education with a relentless passion for advocacy. Fearlessly championing the rights of girls and women, she has become a driving force for positive impact in her community. Nafisah’s leadership at AID4Girls (Advocacy for Integrated Development for Girls) – agirl-centered organization dedicated to empowering girls and women inareas of Health (SRHR), education, economic inclusion and climate adaptation and resilence reflects her commitment to empowering marginalized voices and fostering sustainable practices. With creativity and determination, she navigates the intersectionality of social issues, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of activism in Northern Ghana. Nafisah Sumani stands as a beacon of change, embodying the resilience and vision needed for a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.
Sarah Deeb
Australia
Sarah is a young advocoate, with passions across gender equalty, digital rights and women’s health. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and is currently working towards becoming a lawyer in Australia. She is also the National Co-Director of what is currently called the One Woman Project, an organisation dedicated to striving to eliminate gender injustice.
Sarah wrote about a Right to Menstrual Health in her final year thesis, sparking a passion for identifying how the law can assist in addressing period poverty, particularly in the context of transitioning to a circual economy. Sarah hopes to raise awareness of the regulatory gaps that must be addressed to ensure safer, more equitable menstruation.
Governance Board
Yasmina Benslimane
Morocco
Yasmina Benslimane is an award-winning feminist activist, consultant, and women’s empowerment coach dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting women’s rights. As the founder of Politics4Her, she advocates for increased political participation and representation for young women and girls from Global Majority countries. Recognized for her impactful work, Yasmina has been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and BBC 100 Most Influential and Inspiring Women of 2023.
Candice Chirwa
South Africa
Candice Chirwa, recognized as the Minister of Menstruation, is a distinguished academic, author, public speaker, and social entrepreneur. Renowned for her exemplary leadership of the acclaimed NGO, Qrate, she has garnered prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to menstrual education. With a passion for social impact, Candice has achieved remarkable success in her advocacy efforts, solidifying her position as a respected figure in both academic and entrepreneurial circles.
Courtney Carson
United States
Courtney Carson has over a decade of experience working in public policy, advocacy, and communications, and brings a track record of advancing advocacy campaigns and policy to promote health and wellbeing for all at the national and multilateral levels. She is currently a member of the Policy and Advocacy Team at Pandemic Action Network, where she advances sustainable, forward-looking policy for pandemic preparedness, and recently managed policy and advocacy at Women Deliver, securing health and rights for women and girls with the United Nations, WHO, and Universal Health Coverage. She also led U.S. policy for the Global Health Technologies Coalition, advancing R&D for neglected and emerging global health concerns. Before her career in advocacy, Courtney led global health policy in the U.S. Senate, where she upheld U.S. commitments in health and foreign aid.
Dr Karan Babbar
India
Karan Babbar is an assistant professor at the jindal global business school, sonipat. His research focus lies in the intersection of education and sexual and reproductive health with a focus on gender. He critically engages with issues of social concern like gender, menstruation through media articles, movies and documentaries, and creating awareness about them on the social media platform.
Lorena Banda
United States
Lorena Rodriguez Banda has served as an electoral campaign strategist, and is an experienced professional in grassroots organizing, government, and in the Femtech industry. She moved to New York City from San Antonio, Texas in 2020, which led her to work on over six electoral campaigns at the state and local level. Most recently Lorena was the Training Manager at EMILYs List under their Training and Community Engagement department in Washington D.C. Lorena is a daughter of Mexican immigrants and first-generation, receiving her Bachelors in Social Work from Texas State University.
Nadirah Babji
Malaysia
Passionate about humanitarian work, Nadirah Babji is a seasoned professional with a background in managing and implementing impactful programs in challenging environments. With expertise gained as a Senior Humanitarian Program Officer at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, she has successfully led initiatives in sexual and reproductive health, navigating diverse cultural landscapes. Her commitment to making a difference extends to addressing critical needs in conflict zones. A medical doctor and postgraduate student in Gender Studies with University of Malaya, Nadirah combines academic knowledge with practical experience to drive positive change in the humanitarian sector.
The Team
Becca Residorf
Research Lead
Alhelí Calderón
Mexico Correspondent
Sidra Irfan
Media Lead, Pakistan
Sidra Irfan is a dental graduate currently working in health system management and public health advocacy in Pakistan. She champions equal healthcare access, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health, combating period poverty, and promoting family planning. As a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, she leads initiatives for positive change. Additionally, she serves as a consultant for the World Bank and collaborates with various local and international organizations to strengthen healthcare access and service delivery, contributing to the global health agenda. Sidra’s comprehensive approach, blending clinical expertise, strategic management, and advocacy, strengthens her resolve to improve health outcomes both in Pakistan and globally.
Laura Nyiha
Kenya Correspondent
Noelle Elizabeth Spencer
Research Associate, USA
Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer, PhD, MSc is a mixed methods researcher and menstrual equity advocate. She is passionate about improving health equity and access to health resources and education. Much of her work centers on the health experiences of marginalized populations with a focus on reproductive health and menstruation. She earned her BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Brown University, MSc in Gender Policy and Inequalities from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and PhD in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
Dina Saintilmon
Haiti Correspondent
Dina is a medical student from Haiti. She is also a social activist who has participated in many projects of the Haitian association of medical students (AHEM-IFMSA) – first as coordinator of the commission on human rights, then as coordinator of health campaigns, and finally as vice president of external affairs.
She is a dynamic girl with a critical mind. She has an interest in social medicine, public health, research, women, and children’s rights.
Ateeb Ahmad Parray
Senior Editor
Ateeb Ahmad Parray is a global health researcher and intersectional feminist based in Bangladesh at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University. He works in the areas of gender, sexual and reproductive health, humanitarian emergencies, intersectionality, health systems and health policy with a special focus on vulnerable and marginalized populations including urban informal settlement dwellers and displaced populations. Ateeb Co-Chairs the SHAPES Thematic working group of Health Systems Global and serves as the Country Director (Bangladesh) of the STAR Scholars network which envisions to advance global social mobility by using research and advocacy. Ateeb is also co-lead of the ‘intersectionality’ and ‘humanitarian emergencies’ sub-groups under Gender and COVID-19 initiative. Ateeb holds a Masters degree in Social Sciences from the University of Dhaka and a Masters degree in Public Health from BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University.
Ruth Oladele
Nigeria Correspondent
Ruth Oladele is a gender-equality advocate, a multiple award-winning researcher and a seasoned physical therapist. Her research interest is in sexual and reproductive health and rights, with focus on vulnerable populations and underserved groups in slum and rural communities. She is a Senior Research Associate at Slum and Rural Health Initiative Research Academy, where she leads a team of over 100 researchers in sexual health research projects on vulnerable communities. She also facilitates the Sexuality Information Mental Behavioural Initiative (SIMBIHealth) advocacy project, which utilizes an artificial intelligence-driven application to teach comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents and youths.
Eunice Kilonzo
Crisis Communications Specialist
Eunice Kilonzo is an award-winning Health Communications and (Social) Media Specialist currently a Manager, Content Generation at Safaricom PLC. Her immediate former role was with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) HQ in Nairobi, Kenya as a Social Media and Content Consultant. Eunice has extensive hands-on experience in organizational communications and media management across a range of sectors: health, science, environment, technology, financial services and development. Her expertise includes multimedia editorial development, storytelling training, stakeholder management, internal communications, social media and digital publishing.
She is fascinated with newer forms of storytelling and content creation, generation and sharing. She also creates monthly video series, #KalundeLearns, an online storytelling platform for creators and creatives. The monthly video series affords you a front-row seat to learn how people have turned their passion into a lifestyle and a living.
Bismah Nayyer
Advocacy Lead, Pakistan
Dr. Bismah Nayyer is a passionate and agile public health professional with a strong background in Health System Strengthening, NCDs, Health Emergencies, Community and Networks engagement, Public Policy, Gender, and leading women’s movements. She is currently working as a public health consultant with varios global health organizations. Dr. Nayyer is currently contributing to pandemic period’s mission as an advocacy and communications volunteer. With a decade of experience working for national and international organizations in the health field, she collaborates with organizations that prioritize social impact and address the challenges of gender, racial, digital, and health equity. Besides that, she is an avid reader, painter, writer, occasional baker, and gym enthusiast, and aims to inspire and empower other women from low- and middle-income countries. She is currently persuing Masters in Public Health from King’s College London.
Ruth Kamu
Monitoring & Evaluation Lead, kenya
Ruth Kamau is a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRH) advocate with experience in social and behaviour change communication based in Kenya. She advocates for for access to affordable SRH services and story-telling to influence positive change in matters Gender Equality. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Population Health and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Health with 3+ years’ experience in the NGO sector. She is passionate about working and running programs with women and girls from Low and Middle Income Countries by empowering them and passing on knowledge about their freedom and rights when it comes to their reproductive health. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys reading self-help books, moving to a good Latin dance or hiking and chasing waterfalls.
Ursula Maschette
Brazil Correspondent
urdula is a psychologist and menstrual health researcher, with a master’s degree in education, health promotion and international development from university college London. Her studies at UCL focused on menstrual health promotion and education in Brazilian schools. she has 10 years of experience working in community-based research with. focus on SRH, menstrual health, education, health promotion, and public health.
Alison Biedron
Research Associate, USA
Alison is currently the Health Equity Network Coordinator at the UCL Institute for Health Equity, where she manages the platform to expand collaborative, cross sector work on the social determinants of health and health inequalities across the UK. She recently completed the MSc in Global Health and Development at University College London (UCL) focussing on the historical neglect of HIV rates amongst border-crossing female migrants into South Africa. Alison also holds a BA Hons. from New York University (NYU) in Gender and Sexuality Studies with concentrations in Global Public Health and Science in Society. Her thesis discussed the evolution of HIV healthcare for Black, trans youth in New York City specifically focussing on the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in Manhattan.
Janet Hawa Koroma
Communications associate, Liberia
Joan Masinde
Communications Associate, Kenya
Reshma Ramesh
Research Associate, India
Reshma recently completed her Master of Public Health from King’s College London where her dissertation was a systematic review on the chronic lung disease, COPD. She holds an MBBS degree from India, where she hails from. She aims to combine her public health education, medical background and passion for women’s health in primary care through research and volunteering to reduce inequalities and improve health outcomes.
Lynda Gilby
Research Associate, New Zealand
Lynda Gilby is a doctoral researcher at Tampere University in Finland, looking at the opposition to sexual and reproductive health and rights in international forums, and the challenges this creates for achieving United Nations targets on gender equality and universal health coverage. She has a Master’s in Public and Global Health, and prior to this spent 8 years working as a Radiographer in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Celtia Valcárcel Gallego
Policy Analyst, Spain
Celtia has just finished a Double Master’s Degree on Sociocommunitary Intervention and Social Policies (University of A Coruña, Spain) and International Migration and Intercultural Relations (University of Osnabrück, Germany) with her thesis: “The Dignified Menstruation Approach in the Refugee Camp of Za’atari (Jordan)”. Her main area of interest is to explore the intersection between menstruation and migratory movements, especially forced displacement.
Aneesha Khanna
Policy Analyst, UK
Aneesha is a recent masters graduate in International Social and Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she is learning to critically evaluate and design social and public policies that address complex and pressing global issues. Her academic interests include applied regression analysis, social policy briefs, and policy recommendations.
Veronica Corbellini
Research Assistant
Veronica Corbellini is an Italian Gender Specialist, Child Psychology practitioner and feminist. Her international experiences as a researcher and consultant pivoted her focus on women’s universal health and rights. She recently graduated with a MA in “Gender and Development” at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), analysing menstruation assessment and intervention in protracted humanitarian crises. She is an active advocate for menstrual health in Italy.
Nour Toukan
Advocacy Associate, Lebanon
Nour recently earned her Masters in Public Health from The University of Edinburgh, her dissertation focused on transgender inclusiviness in healthcare setting. She also holds a bacholars degree in Nursing from Lebanon and practiced as a COVID nurse for 2 years. Nour’s areas of interset include sexual & menstrual health, global health and advocacy.
Madhura Joshi
Research Associate, Finland
Madhura is a doctoral researcher at Tampere University, Finland and research associate at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, India. She has more than five years experience of teaching and research in Sociology. Her areas of research include global health, gender studies and culture. She specialises in qualitative research and data analysis.
Victoria Heaney
Senior Advisor
Ximena Fuentes
Advocacy Associate, Mexico
Ximena is a gender justice advocate with a background in law, human rights, and gender-based violence prevention. She has experience working for feminist organisations committed to women’s rights and social justice for all. Ximena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law and Humanitarian Law.
Laura Youngson
Healthcare Worker Lead, Scotland
Laura Youngson is a Scottish nursing professional who is dedicated to driving gender equality and sexual reproductive health rights in Scotland. She is also committed to elevating the voices of women nurses – who make up 90% of the global nursing population – through advocacy and activism.