On average, people menstruate for approximately 35 years, beginning in their early teens. So, we can gather than for the most part, they need menstrual hygiene supplies on a regular basis for a huge portion of their working life. These supplies are basic sanitary products like many others that are required to be provided at work—they’re not luxuries, and they’re not optional.
What is Menstrual Equity?
Menstrual equity calls for the removal of barriers to accessing menstrual products and educational initiatives to help combat and eliminate stigmas associated with menstruation. This usually includes conversations about “period poverty” a term which refers to the financial burden placed on people who menstruate, and how that becomes one of the barriers to accessing these necessary hygiene supplies.
It is time we require employers to provide menstrual products in workplace bathrooms.
Join us in demanding a commitment from our elected representatives to make menstrual equity a reality in Newfoundland & Labrador. Send a letter to your MHA calling on them to introduce or support legislation requiring employers:
- Provide free menstrual products (pads and tampons) in all workplace bathrooms;
- Maintain these supplies the same as other hygiene products like toilet paper and soap;
- Ensure that access is universal, respectful, and stigma-free.
Together we can reduce stigmas associated with menstruation and ensure all workers have the dignity and safety of having access to basic sanitary products in the workplace.
