Ariana Gallardo| Vaquero Radio
The Intersectional Feminist Student Organization, also known as IFSO, is leading a student-driven effort to combat period poverty at UTRGV.
Members from the club distribute menstrual products across both the Brownsville and Edinburg campus restrooms.
IFSO president Cindy Ruiz said the initiative was a response to the rate of student poverty in the Valley and personal experiences. The project is also meant to serve as an accessible option for students in general who may be unprepared.
“I unfortunately had to go through, like, me not having any menstrual products in my pockets. … We hope that we have the chance to actually, like, save them from the embarrassment, the shame that probably even the worrisome of having this problem,” she said.
The group’s efforts hit a snag last fall when university custodial staff, unaware of the project, removed products from the restrooms. Ruiz explained it was a matter of miscommunication between volunteers who distribute the products and custodial staff.
Dean of Students Ismael Amaya confirmed the incident was a matter of miscommunication.
“I don’t think the staff that are cleaning those restrooms knew where this was coming from, but they’re responsible for keeping it clean and safe,” Amaya said.
Amaya clarified the university’s concern was not with the products themselves, but with their presentation outside of a proper dispenser, raising questions of sanitation and safety.
While the university is allowing the student initiative to continue, Amaya said a longterm, university-funded solution is not yet in place.
“We were waiting to see what the organization wanted to bring to the table,” he said.
Amaya said he encourages student groups to work directly with university offices or the Student Government Association to advocate for permanent solutions.
“We want students to advocate for themselves and put that into practice so they can go to those offices. But they can work with us if they’re not sure where to go, where to start. They can come to our office, or they can work with the student government. That’s their, their, representative body with the administration. So, to talk to us, talk to the student government,” he said.
For now, IFSO continues to fundraise and restock its baskets across both campuses, but according to the club’s leadership, the student organization is looking for a permanent solution, such as a plastic dispenser similar to other UT campuses.
