What we heard from the consultations

The engagement process underscored issues under the following themes: period poverty, demand for products, access and product distribution, funding support, and education and research.

Period Poverty

We heard that the need for period products is widespread, but marginalized populations are at the greatest risk for period poverty, particularly immigrants, refugees and racialized individuals, youth, Indigenous peoples, people living in rural and remote areas, people living with a disability, single mothers, and children of single-parent households.

Information gathered through the research and engagement with stakeholders found that menstrual inequity can be a symptom of, or exacerbated by, gender-based violence and financial abuse in relationships, and it is important for shelters to have menstrual products for people fleeing violence.

Demand for Products

We heard that organizations providing period products face unmet demand.

• Among respondents to the WAGE-led survey, 61% have unmet requests for menstrual products. Of these, 90% indicated that the unmet demand was due to a lack of funding.

We heard that demand for products has increased. Single-use disposable products tend to be in highest demand, but reusable products are also becoming more common and tend to be appealing to youth, trans and nonbinary people, and certain cultures.

• Among respondents to the WAGE-led survey, 67% said the demand for products has increased in the last year.
• Among respondents to the WAGE-led survey, 31% indicated that there had been a change in demand for reusable products.

Some stakeholders noted that reusable products are a privilege that many marginalized people lack because of the initial investment to purchase products; a lack of access to private bathrooms, clean water, and laundry services for certain populations; and barriers to education on how to properly use products (such as cups and discs).

We heard that there are many different stakeholders providing support, and there is no cohesive framework across the country with respect to providing access to period products:

• Current menstrual product availability in organizations relies heavily on donations, with no constant, reliable product supply.
• Community organizations said they are best placed to reach marginalized populations and should be trusted to distribute products according to the needs of the communities they serve. However, there needs to be continuity in any initiative that is started.

Access and Product Distribution

We heard that most organizations do not track product distribution. Findings also showed that despite large differences in the volume of products distributed, disposable pads are distributed more widely and more often than tampons or reusable products.

• More than half of the organizations surveyed that provide disposable pads, tampons, or reusable menstrual cups were unable to estimate their monthly distribution.

We heard that organizations prefer to provide bundles of same-type products or of mixed products to clients, and that distribution and access should be tailored to the unique needs of the client.

When asked for their preference for packaging products, respondents to the WAGE-led survey answered as follows:

• 32% said bundles of same-type products are best
• 31% said bundles of mixed products
• 15% said individual disposable products
• 14% stated other methods, which varied
• 6% said individual reusable products

As to the best approach for the distribution of products within their organizations, the top responses were:

• Products should be distributed upon request (31%)
• Products should be available in washrooms (23%)
• Products should be available at a distribution counter (15%)
• A barrier-free approach where products are accessed in pantry shelves by clients based on their needs (14%)

When asked which types of non-profits are best situated to provide products to individuals, the top response was food banks. However, many organizations thought that more than one type of non-profit is well placed to provide access to menstrual products.

We heard that to be successful, geographic considerations must be taken into account.

Research and stakeholder engagement underscored that in the North, a significant barrier to access is the procurement and shipment of products, along with high costs, and there is a mentality of scarcity and concern that the products are not predictably available in remote communities.

It was also noted that choice in menstrual products and easy access are critical to respect cultural considerations and personal preference, and to enable dignity for those looking to access products.

Funding Support

We heard that while many not-for-profit organizations offer period products when they are able, this tends to rely heavily on donations, leading to an inconsistent supply of products.

• Approximately half of respondents to the WAGE-led survey (45%) rely on direct donations of products to ensure access.
• When asked to select the main source of access to menstrual products, the most common responses were:
  • Direct donations of products (45%)
  • Primarily purchasing products in a store (17%)
  • Ordering products online (13%)
  • Using all three methods or a unique method of procurement (15%)

Education and Research

We heard that education related to menstruation is a key component in advancing menstrual equity.

Stakeholders noted that there is a lack of comprehensive menstruation education, and existing education does not widely consider intersectional identity factors. Respondents to interviews conducted through Douglas College also emphasized the need to expand education on menstruation to reduce stigma and support intersectional and culturally attuned education. They noted that taking advantage of existing sexual and reproductive health initiatives would be an effective way to reach people quickly.

Engagement and research activities confirmed that in Canada, menstruation remains highly stigmatized. Experiences of menstrual stigma are impacted by different intersectional factors, including gender identity, racial identity, power dynamics in formal educational and workplace settings, poverty, housing precarity, Indigeneity, disability status, and immigrant/refugee status.

Research through Douglas College noted that policy can be part of transforming the way that menstrual stigma is experienced and circulated. In Canada, policy work is occurring within a cultural context where menstruation is highly stigmatized. Therefore, programs or initiatives aiming to advance menstrual equity should be careful not to inadvertently reinforce menstrual stigma.

We heard that existing research on menstrual equity in Canada is lacking and not always intersectional, and research is often inaccessible to menstrual equality advocates, as it requires time and resources. There is an opportunity to strengthen and expand on research initiatives as well as establish intersectoral partnerships.

Menstrual Equity Fund Pilot Design

Information gathered through engagement activities informed the design of the MEF pilot, which centres on selecting one established national non-profit organization to:

• Test approaches to distribute free menstrual products to community organizations serving diverse low-income populations in various locations across Canada
• Partner with a small number of grassroots organizations across Canada that are already advancing menstrual equity to scale up education and awareness activities to inform Canadians about period poverty and reduce stigma around menstruation