In the bustling hallways of the high school, where the typical concerns revolve around exams, social dynamics, and extracurricular activities, two Grade 11 students, Tara C. and Ruby B., are embarking on a unique journey as part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project. Their initiative seeks to address an issue often kept in the shadows: menstrual equity in isolated Indigenous communities. In an exclusive interview, Ruby and Tara share the inspiration behind their project and their aspirations for the future.

The spark for this project ignited when Ruby, fueled by a passion for feminism and a growing awareness of the struggles faced by Indigenous communities, approached Tara to create something impactful. Moontime Connections, a company dedicated to menstrual health, became an integral part of their project. Unbeknownst to them, the non-profit turned out to be run by Ms. Rajeev's daughter, adding a personal connection that emerged over winter break.

Both Tara and Ruby, committed feminists, recognize the importance of addressing women's issues, often overlooked, or considered taboo. With a focus on menstrual health, they aim to bring light to the cultural differences in the treatment of menstruation, especially in isolated communities where the topic remains shrouded in silence. Their goal is not to set lofty expectations but to start the conversation, reduce stigma, and re-educate those who may be unaware of the challenges faced by some.

Driven by a passion for gender equality and influenced by their studies in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Contemporary Indigenous Studies (CIS), the duo draws attention to the persistent inequalities faced by indigenous communities. They emphasize the lack of access to menstrual products in these areas, contributing to the broader narrative of social injustice and racism. By choosing to focus on this everyday aspect of life, they hope to foster understanding and empathy towards the struggles of isolated communities.

While Ruby and Tara acknowledge the difficulty of measuring the project's success in traditional terms, their goal is clear: to fill a donation box with menstrual products for the benefit of isolated Indigenous communities. Their emphasis is on promoting conversations about menstruation within the Meadowridge community, creating a more open and inclusive environment. By doing so, they aim to inspire the younger generation to address important societal issues and make a difference in their communities.

Looking ahead, Ruby and Tara express their desire to continue exploring ways to support menstrual equity. They envision making their project a recurring event, perhaps an annual drive, to keep the conversation alive and maintain momentum. For Ruby, this project is more than an opportunity to educate others; it's a chance for personal growth and continual learning.

Tara and Ruby's project transcends the boundaries of a typical high school initiative. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of menstrual equity in isolated Indigenous communities, they are breaking the silence surrounding a topic that affects half the world's population. Through their commitment, passion, and dedication, they hope to inspire a new generation of activists and make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.