Education
Innovation
Mobilization
The SPARSH–NOW Project: Stitching Dignity, Strengthening Futures
In Gadchiroli, India—where access to reproductive health resources is scarce and many young women struggle in silence, two organizations joined hands to spark change. Society for Peoples Action in Rural Service & Health (SPARSH), a trusted community-based organization woven into the heart of the region, partnered with Network of Women NOW to create a powerful initiative focused on menstrual equity, education, and economic opportunity.
Together, they launched sewing cooperatives that teach women and single mothers how to create reusable sanitary pads and period panties. The one of the goals of this project is to create products that support hygiene while generating income for their families. Alongside this skill-building, girls in local schools participate in EmpowerED Hygiene classes, learning not just about their bodies, but about confidence, leadership, and their right to thrive.
Mothers stand taller. Girls feel prepared. Communities gain knowledge and pride.
The SPARSH–NOW Project is more than a program, it is a movement of empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance. With every stitch and every lesson, women are creating a future where no girl’s potential is limited by her period.
Released on December 15, 2025
only on Amazon
Rituals of the First Cycle
A Sacred Invitation to Reclaim Menstrual Rites of Passage
Across time and cultures, the onset of menstruation has been honored as a sacred rite of passage—a powerful threshold into womanhood. But in much of the modern Western world, this moment has been reduced to silence, shame, or clinical detachment. Rituals of the First Cycle offers a new way forward.
Blending cross-cultural wisdom, holistic education, and deeply personal reflection, this book reimagines how we honor the first menstrual cycle not as a biological inconvenience, but as a profound opportunity for connection, empowerment, and healing.
Inside, you’ll discover four adaptable ceremonial concepts from Flowroot Rite Ceremony to family-centered rituals and educational spaces like the EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative by Network of Women NOW. Each chapter offers a path for caregivers, educators, and community leaders to create meaningful, culturally respectful rites that support girls as they step into a new stage of life.
This is not a manual. It is a remembering. A gentle invitation to hold space for transformation both for our daughters and for the girl we once were.
Whether you’re planning a ceremony, seeking to break generational silence, or simply longing to honor the sacred rhythms of life, Rituals of the First Cycle will inspire you to begin with what you have: one candle, one story, one offering of love.
Only on Amazon
My Soul's Unrest: Three Generations of Failed Reproductive Healthcare of Women in Mississippi
"My Soul's Unrest" weaves a powerful narrative through the personal and historical struggles of women grappling with reproductive healthcare in Mississippi. This compelling memoir explores the systemic issues that have plagued African American women's healthcare in the southern United States, particularly focusing on the author's own experiences and those of her ancestors.
Growing up in Mississippi, the author witnessed firsthand the disparities and challenges in the healthcare system, especially concerning women's reproductive rights and services. Through the vivid stories of her mother and grandmother, she paints a poignant picture of the generational battles fought and the victories, both big and small, that shaped their lives—and hers.
The book highlights the resilience and tenacity of women who stood against the tides of their times, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of healthcare, gender, and race in Mississippi. It also serves as a call to action, intended to inspire and mobilize further advocacy and change within the community and beyond.
Deeply influenced by these experiences, the author's ongoing mission with the Network of Women NOW champions healthcare reform and support for women across generations. "My Soul's Unrest" is not just a recounting of personal and collective histories but a testament to the strength of these remarkable women. Their journey is both a reflection of the past and a beacon for the future we can build together.
The EmpowerED Hygiene Workbook
The EmpowerED Hygiene Workbook is a cornerstone of the EmpowerED Hygiene Initiatives, a vital component of the Network of Women NOW's Menstrual Equity Project. It draws from personal experiences, student surveys, medical experts' recommendations, and extensive research journeys. The information in the workbook is tailored for women and young girls whether you have started menstruating or not. This workbook offers an empowering journey filled with invaluable information, interactive activities, and inspiring narratives. Dive into a comprehensive guide that equips you with the confidence to navigate menstrual hygiene effortlessly. Explore a diverse array of menstrual products, engage in entertaining games and activities, and track your cycle with the included monthly calendar. Gain essential insights into handwashing, hand sanitizing and the prevention of bacteria and viruses. This is essential in prioritizing your health and well-being. With the 'EmpowerED Hygiene Workbook' as your companion, you'll embark on your menstrual journey armed with knowledge and empowerment.
Deidra Mwalimu Honored with the Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity Award
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge proudly announces Deidra Mwalimu, CEO & founder of Network of Women NOW, as the recipient of the third annual Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity Award for her EmpowerED Hygiene Initiative.
This project addresses personal hygiene and reproductive health disparities in underserved Louisiana communities through creative and educational approaches, integrating resources like the EmpowerED Hygiene Workbook and arts-based workshops to empower young women with essential knowledge and skills.
Combatting Period Poverty
Increasing Menstrual Equity
Promoting Personal Hygiene
