Columbia, S.C. — Many women across South Carolina have had to make tough choices. Sometimes, they’ve had to choose between buying food or buying menstrual products like pads. Shay Turman saw this happening, and she decided to do something about it. Today, she is leading a movement to bring dignity and support to women and girls across the state.
In 2023, Turman founded Revolution Red, a nonprofit organization that focuses on ending period poverty in South Carolina. Period poverty means not having access to menstrual products due to financial hardship. Through Revolution Red, Turman has made it her mission to ensure that no woman or girl has to go without the basic hygiene products they need.
How It All Started
Turman’s journey into advocacy started when she was participating in a pageant. Like many contestants, she was asked to choose a cause to support. That’s when she discovered how big the need was in her own community.
During a visit to a local shelter, someone told her something surprising — they desperately needed menstrual hygiene products.
“I thought it would be something simple to collect,” Turman said. But as she looked deeper, she realized menstrual products were one of the least donated items. Shelters and schools rarely received them, leaving many women and girls struggling every month.
That realization struck her hard. What started as a small campaign to gather pads and other hygiene items quickly grew into something much bigger. Women and girls kept reaching out, asking for help. Shay Turman understood she couldn’t stop after just one campaign — so she decided to create something lasting.
The Birth of Revolution Red
In 2023, she launched Revolution Red. The name itself reflects her mission: turning something often seen as shameful or secretive — menstruation — into a cause worth fighting for. Turman explains it clearly: “It’s about delivering dignity to women and girls. We’re taking something people don’t talk about and making sure women feel empowered.”
Since then, Revolution Red has made an incredible impact. They’ve delivered thousands of menstrual products to women and girls living in shelters, attending schools, and struggling to afford basic hygiene products. Turman and her team don’t just hand out pads and tampons — they also provide education about menstrual health, breaking the silence around periods.
Period Poverty’s Impact on Education
One of the heartbreaking stories Turman often hears is from students. Many young girls miss school because they don’t have access to menstrual products. It’s not because they aren’t smart or don’t understand their lessons. They simply can’t attend classes during their periods.
“We meet girls who say, ‘I have to miss school, and I fall behind. Not because I don’t know the material, but because I can’t afford the products,’” Turman shares.
This directly affects their education, confidence, and future opportunities. Revolution Red works hard to make sure girls have what they need, so periods don’t become a barrier to success.
Health Risks of Period Poverty
For unhoused women, period poverty comes with serious health risks. Many are forced to wear the same pad or tampon for far too long because they can’t afford replacements. This can lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis and other dangerous health conditions.
Turman finds motivation in these real-life struggles. “Every time I see a woman choosing between food or pads, I know we need to keep going,” she says. No woman should have to make that choice.
The Long History of Period Poverty
Turman is also aware that this issue isn’t new. Period poverty has existed for centuries. Throughout history, menstruation was treated as a taboo, something people didn’t talk about openly. Affordable, accessible products simply didn’t exist.
“Women, even in the 1950s, were using items that were not sustainable or safe,” Turman explains. “It wasn’t because they wanted to, but because periods weren’t a topic anyone discussed.”
But today, things are changing — and Turman is determined to be part of that change. Revolution Red isn’t just about handing out pads. It’s about breaking the silence, removing the shame, and ensuring women can manage their periods safely and with dignity.
A Growing Movement
Since its start, Revolution Red has expanded its efforts. They run outreach programs, visiting colleges, schools, and shelters. Volunteers pack menstrual hygiene kits and distribute them where they’re most needed.
Turman’s work shows no sign of slowing down. She emphasizes that the need will never disappear. “As long as women continue to menstruate, this need will exist,” she says. “We can’t ignore it.”
She hopes her story inspires others to step up. “I’m just like you,” she says. “Anyone can make a difference. You don’t need to be rich or powerful. You just need to care.”
Get Involved
For anyone wanting to join the fight against period poverty or needing menstrual products, Revolution Red welcomes support. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every effort counts.
To learn more about Revolution Red, get involved, or access menstrual products, visit their official website.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.