Menstrual Equity

Menstruation is a health issue that is experienced by over half of the Canadian population. Menstrual Equity describes the disproportionate amount menstruation affects those who menstruate compared to those who do not, i.e. the added expense for purchasing products, anxiety & side effects surrounding periods, and more. Many folks who menstruate do not have access to products and therefore miss out on opportunities, work, school, etc. as a result. 

We believe it is imperative for menstrual products to be provided for free in all washrooms, just like toilet paper. People menstruate; including women, trans men, gender non-binary and 2Spirit people. Menstrual inequities disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous and people of colour, as well as trans and non-binary individuals and people with disabilities. 

 

 

Our Impact So Far... 

  • Thousands of dollars and personal care products donated to local shelters and/or nation-wide charities 
  • Thames Valley District School Board (London, ON), Tampon Tuesday and Virgin Radio London teamed up for a menstrual equity initiative (2019). TVDSB continues to provide menstrual products for free in their high schools! 
  • London, ON was the first city in Canada to provide free menstrual products in all publicly accessible, city-owned buildings (Sept, 2019). 
  • We created a petition asking the Federal Government to follow through with their 2019 menstrual equity efforts (Sept 2020), supported by London MP Peter Fragiskatos  
  • We chatted with the Minister of Labour regarding menstrual equity (Oct 2020)
  • $25 million Menstrual Equity Act + free menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces to be rolled out by the Federal Liberal Party of Canada (2022). Please help us to keep the Gov't accountable for these actions! 
  • We have implemented and supported many initiatives at the school board, municipal and post-secondary level and continue to advocate for policy change, including at the Federal level 
  • Read our current open letter to the Federal Government (led by Moon Time Sisters ON) here 

 What can you do?

  • Collect monetary donations or host menstrual product drives to donate to your local shelters or food banks 
  • Reach out to your student council rep, local MPP, MP & council members to discuss initiatives in your community 
  • Discuss with your peers to implement free menstrual products in your workplace 

Need guidance on how to implement a free menstrual products initiative? We offer consulting services! 

Contact Us