Twin activists Brooke and Breanna Bennett transformed their grassroots campaign against period poverty into a statewide policy victory and national recognition, delivering essential supplies to thousands.
At age 11, Brooke and Breanna Bennett learned that many students miss school because they can’t afford menstrual supplies. By 16, they had built Women in Training (WIT) into a force for change, distributing over 32,500 WITKITS — hygiene kits containing menstrual, dental, and hygiene supplies — to at-risk youth and low-income individuals. They also successfully advocated for Alabama legislation that now provides $400,000 annually for period products in Title I schools, benefiting over 56,000 students.
“When we first started Women in Training, we kind of just thought we were doing a little community service,” Breanna Bennett told WSFA 12 News. “But when organizations and people started to reach out to us, we realized that this is a big issue that nobody talks about.”
The Montgomery Academy juniors’ impact earned them recognition as 2024 CNN Heroes Young Wonders and a White House honor from First Lady Jill Biden.
“No menstruator should miss school or work simply because she does not have the products she needs,” Brooke Bennett said following the CNN Heroes announcement.
Beyond immediate aid, WIT expanded to include STEM initiatives, leadership development, and mentoring programs. The organization’s work reflects its core values of womanism, global citizenship, and liberation, while actively engaging youth in social justice and community service. The twins took their message to Congress, presenting to the Democratic Women’s Caucus and meeting with lawmakers to advocate for menstrual equity.
“We are part of a community of young change agents who are making the world a better place,” Breanna Bennett said after their CNN Heroes selection.
The organization has garnered support from major corporations, with Always brand donating 12,000 pads to their cause. Their work also earned them recognition as T-Mobile Changemakers and Grant Thornton Purple Paladins, highlighting the growing momentum behind their mission to end period poverty.
The twins were featured at CNN’s annual Heroes celebration on December 8, 2024, alongside other honorees working to improve their communities.
Watch the video highlighting the twins’ work: CNN Heroes Young Wonders Brooke and Breanna Bennett
Watch a local news report from WSFA 12 about the CNN award:
Read about the twins’ at the White House by Savannah Tryens-Fernandes for AL.com: 16-year-old Alabama twins to be honored at White House for efforts to end period poverty
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