After texting a friend, checking if Student Health Services is open and digging through a backpack, some may notice during that sort of frantic search for period products around campus that there are periodically (no pun intended) now some bathrooms stocked with free menstrual care products.
This is thanks to the Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Chatham (PPGEN), which started here in fall 2024.
PPGEN, a student organization that prides itself on fighting for women’s reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, is responsible for upholding the belief that Chatham needs to support women’s voices.
In its first academic year, it has made a sweeping impact on providing menstrual hygiene resources around campus.
“One of my favorite memories from PPGEN this past academic year was making period care packages full of treats, hygiene products, and affirmations,” PPGEN Vice President Molly Green ‘27 said in an email interview. “A large group of students helped to assemble these care packages and distribute them around campus. I love our fun, community-building events such as our New Year Vision Boards, Craft Night and Galentine’s Dinner.”
Advocating for women’s health isn’t always easy. PPGEN President Olympia Giannakopoulos ‘27 said that seeing change happen in real time has impacted her pursuit for justice.
“Meeting the people behind large and important reproductive health organizations has made me inspired. In the climate our country is in today, meeting these people and making connections makes one feel less alone,” Giannakopoulos shared via email.
However, this organization was not always on campus. Originally an idea born from Giannakopoulos and Green when they were co-chairs of the Laughlin Living Learning Community (LLC the year prior to PPGEN), the two were put in contact with the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter and the volunteer coordinator, Corinne Mammarella.
PPGEN functions as a network of leaders and activists that bring PPGEN chapters to different universities across the nation. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund website states that PPGEN has chapters in more than 350 campuses, and works to “mobilize advocates for reproductive freedom, raise public awareness about reproductive health and rights, educate young people about sexual health and create lasting change in their communities.”
It wasn’t long until Green and Giannakopoulos were distributing care packages for patients at Planned Parenthood clinics and Allegheny Reproductive Health. Mammarella explained that there had never been a Planned Parenthood chapter at Chatham, and Giannakopoulos said it was that moment where they truly took off.
“At this point, Molly and I were so excited and wanted to start this chapter,” Giannakopoulos said. “[The board] had the same wants to get involved in women’s reproductive health, especially considering that the overturning of Roe v. Wade was still fresh. From this point, we started up.”
Building community during times of political turmoil has been more important than ever, too, according to Giannakopoulos.
“This club has put me in a lot of spaces that I am forever grateful for. That does not mean it is not difficult, or taxing mentally. I do get exhausted and overwhelmed at times,” Giannakopoulos said. “However, that is why I am so grateful and appreciative of the amazing women and people on our board. Our board is tight-knit and always works to lift each other and support each other. … Some days are hard, but most days are rewarding.”
Even in times of stress, PPGEN has managed to spark conversation. Green said the group has sparked dialogue about what others can do to promote change.
“Many people leave our events – whether it’s a social or volunteer event – wanting to learn more about Planned Parenthood. We consistently have conversations about what we can do as students given the challenges we face in this world where reproductive healthcare and bodily autonomy is stigmatized and politicized,” Green said.
Most recently, PPGEN worked in collaboration with the Chatham Feminist Coalition, LIGHT and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to host Throw Back the Curtain: The Behind the Scenes of Drag Artistry. The event was a hit, including drag shows and a panel discussion from performers. Green spoke regarding plans looking for the future.
“We are sure that PPGEN will be an active presence at Chatham for the long term, as our work is never over. For next year, we plan to bring back the Auto Body Shop, do more volunteer events and increase our efforts of distributing healthcare products by working with community providers, RAs and community/student organizations with shared goals,” Green said.
