Let’s talk periods. It’s time we have this chat. A surprising three out of four women aged 18 to 24 feel they need to hide their periods at school or work. This shows a real need for open conversations and better education.
Though period care has advanced since our grandparents’ time, gaps still exist in access and education. The Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health is stepping up to tackle these issues. They focus on creating health equity for women across Canada by addressing mental health, menstrual care, and gender-based violence.
One of their newest efforts is the Pad it Forward campaign. This initiative aims to improve access to menstrual products and challenge the stigma around menstruation. The Foundation collaborates with local partners to ensure that women nationwide can receive the care they need.
For instance, Moon Time Connections is an Indigenous-led group working to provide menstrual products to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) communities. They’ve shipped over 11 million products since 2017, reaching nearly 300 programs across 190 northern communities. Founder Nicole White says, “The support from Shoppers Foundation has been invaluable, enhancing our efforts in menstrual equity.”
For FNIM menstruators, barriers like access and unique regional challenges compound the issue. Data shows that rural regions often lack essential resources compared to urban areas. This underscores the importance of targeted initiatives like those from Moon Time Connections.
Another noteworthy initiative is Help a Girl Out (HAGO). They are focused on providing menstrual products and education while listening to the stories of individuals who experience period poverty. Executive Director Yanique Brandford states, “We build programs informed by the needs of those we serve, allowing us to address what matters most.” Thanks to partnerships with groups like the Shoppers Foundation, HAGO is also developing a resource hub for menstrual education, responding to an increased demand for knowledge about menstrual health.
As conversations about menstruation grow, social media plays a role in amplifying awareness. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with real stories and educational content, which helps dismantle taboos associated with menstruation. The more people share, the more normal it becomes.
In sum, while strides have been made, there’s still a road ahead. Organizations are working together to ensure that everyone who menstruates has access to the products and education they deserve. By supporting initiatives like Pad it Forward, we can help create a more equitable future for all.
