Our Beginning

The Menstrual Equity Initiative (MĚI) was founded to reimagine how the world understands and supports menstruation, reproductive health, and hormonal changes. Our founder, Elise Tao, started MĚI after witnessing herself and her peers struggle with symptoms that were overlooked, underresearched, and dismissed. She recognized that the silence and stigma surrounding these experiences were not just personal challenges—they were systemic barriers.

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The name MĚI (美), meaning “beautiful” in Chinese, reflects our belief that every girl, woman, and person who menstruates deserves to feel empowered, informed, and supported in caring for their health.

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In the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, access to reproductive healthcare and comprehensive education has become even more limited. That’s why we’re committed to breaking down cultural, financial, and legal barriers to make menstrual products and education a right, not a privilege.

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With the support of United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Fellowship, MĚI works to advance research, education, and policy—building a world where menstrual equity is the standard, not the exception.

What we Do

We advance research, education, and policy that promote menstrual and reproductive health for everyone.

We strive to eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation and hormonal changes, ensure equitable access to menstrual products, and empower individuals with the knowledge to understand and care for their bodies.

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We believe that menstrual health is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right.