By Hailey Kearns

Historically, women faced numerous barriers that restricted their participation in sports. Stereotypes, societal norms, and cultural prejudices often portrayed sports as a male pursuit. However, over the past few decades, many empowering women have challenged these stereotypes and proven their skill sets. Notable female athletes such as Billie Jean King, a tennis superstar, and Wilma Rudolph, the dominant track athlete, have not only achieved success but have paved the way for future generations to follow. 

Although sport activities became popular in the late nineteenth century, women were not allowed to participate in the Olympics until 1900. The Olympic Games were reserved only for males as women were believed to be fragile and needed to preserve their femininity (Women and the Olympic Games). Twenty-two women competed in five sports: golf, sailing, croquet, tennis, and equestrianism. Hélène de Pourtalès, an American-born Swiss sailor, was the first woman to win an Olympic medal during the 1900 games. Following her victory, her sailing team also took home a silver medal—thus making her the first women multi medalist in history. 

By Anjali Nayak

Tearing through my backpack in a frenzied panic, I fumble through loose pencils and pieces of paper, keeping an eye for a small lilac package. After finally getting my hands on the prize, I rush to the bathroom. 

It is that time of the month. 

My dilemma isn’t uncommon; to nobody’s surprise, 50% of the world’s population menstruates. Yet as natural as menstruation cycles are, the topic elicits nervous shuffling and silence when brought up in discussion. 

But menstrual inequity is a conversation worth having—products aren’t as accessible as most might think.

Low-income groups battle the tampon tax and poor quality materials in order to get through their regularly scheduled cycles. In other parts of the world, menstrual products are mostly, if not completely, inaccessible due to lack of manufacturing or high expenses. Fellow The Shield editor and PERIOD. club board member Cat Kemp recommended the Netflix short film Period, End of Sentence—a documentary showcasing the efforts of women in a rural Indian village as they proudly manufacture and distribute their own pads. Oftentimes, the pervasive shame regarding menstruation and lack of products in general forces health issues, school absences, and eventual dropout of the girls in their village. Thus, the women chose the brand name “FLY” for their menstrual products company, because they want women “to arise.”