Toronto – Financial limitations, harmful social norms and attitudes surrounding menstruation are some of the barriers to accessing menstrual products and educational materials. Menstrual equity would ensure equal and comprehensive access to menstrual products, as well as access to education regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, alongside Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada, announced that Food Banks Canada, one of the country’s largest organizations to fight food insecurity, will receive $17.9 million to run a national pilot to address barriers related to affordability and stigma that some Canadians face when accessing menstrual products.
The national pilot will:
- Test approaches to distribute free menstrual products to community organizations serving diverse low-income populations across Canada
- ·Partner with several grassroots organizations across Canada that are already advancing menstrual equity to scale up education and awareness activities, which will inform Canadians about period poverty and reduce stigma around menstruation
With its extensive network of sites and partner community-based organizations across the country, Food Banks Canada is able to reach communities and individuals in need. This pilot will provide insights to advancing menstrual equity from coast to coast to coast.
The Menstrual Equity pilot project builds on work by the Government of Canada to advance menstrual equity, including:
- An initiative led by Indigenous Services Canada to provide free menstrual products in First Nations schools on reserves and in federal schools across Canada
- An Employment and Social Development Canada–led project to ensure the provision of free menstrual products in federally-regulated workplaces
Lack of access to menstrual products is closely linked to poverty and disproportionately impacts youth, single mothers, Indigenous peoples, Black and other racialized communities, immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, people living with disabilities, gender diverse individuals, and those who live in remote areas.
“At a time when Canadians are struggling to make ends meet, buying pads, tampons and other menstrual products shouldn’t be an additional source of financial strain. With this pilot, led by Food Banks Canada, we are taking another step forward to end period poverty, while expanding on successful menstrual equity projects in First Nations schools and federal workplaces. Making menstrual products free puts more money back in the pockets of people in need.” – Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth