Periods are a natural part of life. Yet for too many people, menstruation becomes a source of stress and shame, not because of biology but because of the barriers. Imagine having to choose between buying groceries or purchasing period products. This heartbreaking reality is what 1 in 6 Canadians face every month. It’s called period poverty, and it’s a silent crisis affecting health, dignity, and equality.
What is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and safe spaces to manage menstruation. It disproportionately impacts those already experiencing financial hardship, including low-income individuals, students, and people facing housing insecurity. The consequences go far beyond physical discomfort:
- Missed Opportunities: Without access to period products, many miss school, work, or important activities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
- Health Risks: Improvised alternatives, such as reusing products or using unsafe materials, can lead to serious infections and health complications.
- Stigma and Isolation: The societal stigma around menstruation silences conversations and prevents people from seeking help.
It’s a daily struggle that can rob individuals of their potential and their sense of self-worth.
Taking Action with the Period Positive Campaign
At United Way Centraide North East Ontario, we believe everyone deserves the dignity of safe and accessible menstrual hygiene. Our Period Positive Campaign and Tampon Tuesday initiatives aim to confront period poverty head-on by providing essential products to those in need and by advocating for systemic change.
But solving this issue takes all of us. Organizations and community members play a critical role in ensuring menstrual equity.
How You Can Help
When your organization joins the Period Positive Campaign by pledging to provide free menstrual hygiene products, you’re making a direct impact on period poverty. You’re helping to break the stigma, reduce barriers, and empower individuals to participate fully in their lives.
Your pledge means:
- Accessibility: Ensuring no one in your workplace or community has to worry about managing their period.
- Support: Showing employees, clients, and community members that you care about their well-being.
- Advocacy: Setting a powerful example for others to follow.
Be the Change
Period poverty isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a community issue. It affects students trying to focus on their education, workers striving to succeed, and families working to make ends meet. By addressing period poverty, we’re not just meeting an immediate need—we’re creating a future of dignity and opportunity for all.
Take the Period Positive Pledge today and join us in the fight to eliminate period poverty. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community is held back by a lack of basic necessities.