Network of Women NOW Empowers Girls Through Reproductive Health Education

Founded by Deidra Mwalimu, the organization provides culturally responsive programs to ensure girls have the knowledge and support they need.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Network of Women NOW, founded by Deidra Mwalimu, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through reproductive health education and advocacy. Mwalimu's personal experience of being sterilized without consent as a teenager inspired her to create the organization, which provides programs on topics like menstrual health, personal hygiene, and self-care. The group's initiatives include the EmpowerED Hygiene program, which teaches girls about puberty, and partnerships with local organizations to improve access to menstrual products.

Why it matters

Network of Women NOW's work addresses critical gaps in reproductive health education, particularly for marginalized communities. By providing girls with accurate information and support, the organization aims to ensure they are prepared, confident, and able to advocate for their own health and wellbeing.

The details

Network of Women NOW was founded by Deidra Mwalimu, whose personal experience of being sterilized without consent as a teenager inspired her lifelong commitment to reproductive health education and advocacy. The organization provides culturally responsive programs on topics like menstrual health, personal hygiene, and self-care. One of its key initiatives is the EmpowerED Hygiene program, which teaches girls about what to expect during puberty. The group has also partnered with local organizations in India to support women-led sewing cooperatives that produce reusable menstrual pads, creating economic opportunities while improving access.

  • Network of Women NOW was founded in the early 2020s.
  • The EmpowerED Hygiene program has been used in Louisiana schools and community settings since the mid-2020s.
  • The organization's partnership with Indian organizations to support menstrual product access began in the late 2020s.

The players

Deidra Mwalimu

The founder of Network of Women NOW, whose personal experience of being sterilized without consent as a teenager inspired her lifelong commitment to reproductive health education and advocacy.

Network of Women NOW

A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through reproductive health education and advocacy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Empowerment, in our work, is not a slogan. It is what happens when a girl is prepared instead of confused, supported instead of dismissed, and taught that her body belongs to her.”

— Deidra Mwalimu, Founder, Network of Women NOW (brparents.com)

“Reproductive health education is not optional, it is urgent. My call to parents and caregivers is simple: Start the conversation early, seek out accurate education, and partner with organizations like Network of Women NOW to ensure your daughters are informed, prepared, and supported long before they are ever forced to navigate these realities alone.”

— Deidra Mwalimu, Founder, Network of Women NOW (brparents.com)

What’s next

Network of Women NOW plans to continue expanding its EmpowerED Hygiene program to more schools and community settings, both in the United States and internationally. The organization is also exploring additional partnerships to improve access to menstrual products and reproductive health resources.

The takeaway

Network of Women NOW's work highlights the critical importance of providing girls with comprehensive, culturally responsive reproductive health education and support. By empowering girls with knowledge and resources, the organization aims to ensure they are prepared, confident, and able to advocate for their own health and wellbeing.