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Nadya Okamoto founded the PERIOD at age 16, inspired by her family’s own experience with housing instability. The organisation has addressed over ONE MILLION PERIODS for people in need, registered over 700 campus chapters in all 50 states and 40 countries, and is actively engaging in policy advocacy. Her debut book, PERIOD POWER, was published in 2018 by Simon & Schuster. At 19, she ran for public office, becoming the youngest Asian American political candidate. At 21, she created the first-ever National Period Day, organising rallies in all 50 states to demand action on menstrual equity — mobilising tens of thousands of young leaders around the US. She’s considered an expert on Gen Z brand marketing as the Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of JUV Consulting. She is included in the latest cohorts of Forbes 30 under 30, Bloomberg 50 “Ones to Watch” and People Magazine's Women Changing the World.In this exclusive interview with BeBadass Nadya talks about the importance of normalising periods, gender inclusivity and much more.
What does ‘Period Power’ mean to you?
Period power represents the impact of the menstrual movement and the fight towards menstrual equity. I’m fighting with all of my PERIOD warriors to change the way people think, talk, and learn about periods because periods are natural and should be treated as a necessity.
How different would the world be if men got periods?
The misconception that period poverty is a “women’s issue” would be eliminated and menstrual products would be considered necessities just as Rogaine and Viagra currently are, making them exempt from the state sales tax!
How crucial is gender inclusivity to the menstrual movement?
Gender inclusivity is so important in this movement and starts with the language that we use. Cis-women have a responsibility to promote this inclusivity too. Not all women menstruate, and not all menstruators are women — some may be nonbinary or trans but sill experience menstruation. The language we use when fighting to end period poverty is very important because exclusive language makes it more difficult for non-binary people to access the products and healthcare they need.
Why are periods not just a female problem?
When working to destigmatise menstruation, we must ensure that nobody is left out, discriminated against, or marginalised. Menstruation is a biological function, it’s not just a “women’s issue."
What’s the issue with using period slang (like chums, Aunty Flo, Shark week, Time of Month etc.)?
We are still working to break the period stigma surrounding period poverty and period slang reinforces that stigma. People are taught that periods are dirty and gross when the reality is that they are part of our natural body process.
How does your organisation help Period Poverty across the world?
PERIOD is the largest youth-powered organisation fighting to end period poverty. Since 2014, we have addressed over ONE MILLION periods and registered over 700 campus chapters in all 50 US states and in over 40 countries!! In working to sustain and grow this international movement, we create long term partnerships with our service providers and set up distribution pathways, share all of our resources and toolkits, and work to redefine the culture around periods.
What does Gen Z have that the Millennials lack?
GenZ is bold, passionate, and engaged in building something bigger than themselves! PERIOD is a youth-powered nonprofit, and the most rewarding part is to see how hard our chapter members work and how passionate they are about the menstrual movement and taking action in their communities! Our impact attests the power of GenZ, and I am inspired by them every single day!
How do you manage your mental health?
I’m not a shining example of balance or practising self-care, but I’m trying to be better about it, always.
Sleeping, eating, working out once a day, and taking a break when I need to reset are ways that I practice self-care and manage my mental health!
What does the word Badass mean to you?
Someone who works hard and empowers others to be leaders themselves.
Name a few Badass women who inspire you.
My mom and two sisters inspire me every day!
Your tips to someone who is too scared to act on their passion because they think they are too young?
You’re not too young, so go for it.
If there is something you want to do, do it! It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what you’re doing or you don’t have the resources. Find your people, find a mentor, and ask questions!
Nadya Okamoto founded the PERIOD at age 16, inspired by her family’s own experience with housing instability. The organisation has addressed over ONE MILLION PERIODS for people in need, registered over 700 campus chapters in all 50 states and 40 countries, and is actively engaging in policy advocacy. Her debut book, PERIOD POWER, was published in 2018 by Simon & Schuster. At 19, she ran for public office, becoming the youngest Asian American political candidate. At 21, she created the first-ever National Period Day, organising rallies in all 50 states to demand action on menstrual equity — mobilising tens of thousands of young leaders around the US. She’s considered an expert on Gen Z brand marketing as the Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of JUV Consulting. She is included in the latest cohorts of Forbes 30 under 30, Bloomberg 50 “Ones to Watch” and People Magazine's Women Changing the World.In this exclusive interview with BeBadass Nadya talks about the importance of normalising periods, gender inclusivity and much more.
What does ‘Period Power’ mean to you?
Period power represents the impact of the menstrual movement and the fight towards menstrual equity. I’m fighting with all of my PERIOD warriors to change the way people think, talk, and learn about periods because periods are natural and should be treated as a necessity.
How different would the world be if men got periods?
The misconception that period poverty is a “women’s issue” would be eliminated and menstrual products would be considered necessities just as Rogaine and Viagra currently are, making them exempt from the state sales tax!
How crucial is gender inclusivity to the menstrual movement?
Gender inclusivity is so important in this movement and starts with the language that we use. Cis-women have a responsibility to promote this inclusivity too. Not all women menstruate, and not all menstruators are women — some may be nonbinary or trans but sill experience menstruation. The language we use when fighting to end period poverty is very important because exclusive language makes it more difficult for non-binary people to access the products and healthcare they need.
Why are periods not just a female problem?
When working to destigmatise menstruation, we must ensure that nobody is left out, discriminated against, or marginalised. Menstruation is a biological function, it’s not just a “women’s issue."
What’s the issue with using period slang (like chums, Aunty Flo, Shark week, Time of Month etc.)?
We are still working to break the period stigma surrounding period poverty and period slang reinforces that stigma. People are taught that periods are dirty and gross when the reality is that they are part of our natural body process.
How does your organisation help Period Poverty across the world?
PERIOD is the largest youth-powered organisation fighting to end period poverty. Since 2014, we have addressed over ONE MILLION periods and registered over 700 campus chapters in all 50 US states and in over 40 countries!! In working to sustain and grow this international movement, we create long term partnerships with our service providers and set up distribution pathways, share all of our resources and toolkits, and work to redefine the culture around periods.
What does Gen Z have that the Millennials lack?
GenZ is bold, passionate, and engaged in building something bigger than themselves! PERIOD is a youth-powered nonprofit, and the most rewarding part is to see how hard our chapter members work and how passionate they are about the menstrual movement and taking action in their communities! Our impact attests the power of GenZ, and I am inspired by them every single day!
How do you manage your mental health?
I’m not a shining example of balance or practising self-care, but I’m trying to be better about it, always.
Sleeping, eating, working out once a day, and taking a break when I need to reset are ways that I practice self-care and manage my mental health!
What does the word Badass mean to you?
Someone who works hard and empowers others to be leaders themselves.
Name a few Badass women who inspire you.
My mom and two sisters inspire me every day!
Your tips to someone who is too scared to act on their passion because they think they are too young?
You’re not too young, so go for it.
If there is something you want to do, do it! It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what you’re doing or you don’t have the resources. Find your people, find a mentor, and ask questions!
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