During our session, participants made recommendations for better management of menstrual poverty. They are intended both for decision-makers and the organizations that work to eradicate it.
Remember that menstrual products are essential
Menstrual poverty is a reality all over the world, even in developed countries. Household budgets are impacted by the rising cost of living and financial problems have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Access to free products is therefore essential as the costs related to menstruations are more likely to be sacrificed when a person is experiencing financial distress (for example, food or rent will be prioritize).
Menstrual health and access to essential products are human rights based on the principles of equality, dignity, and health. In 2022, it is time for institutions to support and push for this change in all systems, whether at the local, institutional, governmental, provincial, or national level.
Inform and educate to break the taboo of menstruations and destigmatize, demystify, and decolonize them
No program or policy can function without the educational support needed to accompany change. The destigmatization and demystification of menstruations must go through the education of society. This concerns the public, decision-makers, policy implementers such as school boards or healthcare providers.
Build on awareness and implement a menstrual health education program in schools
Since education is the only way to achieve systemic change, especially on a subject that still raises so many taboos, myths, and shame, it is essential that all schools provide courses on menstrual health. This will allow the younger generations to no longer suffer the lack of knowledge and inequalities experienced by their elders and finally be able to talk freely about menstruations.
The school must be an environment conducive to the positive experience of menstruations, in terms of the information it can provide to students, of the products it should be able to give free of charge, and of the sanitary conditions that should be adapted. The free provision of menstrual products in schools can be a lifeline and prevent young people who menstruate from missing school days because of lack of money to buy the menstrual products.
Enriching the training of future health providers with information on the issues of menstrual poverty and intersectionality
Providing information on menstruations, menstrual disorders, and issues on menstrual poverty to health care providers is essential from a sustainability standpoint. Menstrual health equity requires that the topic be destigmatized and decolonized to allow for fruitful discussions and create a safe space for discussion.
Maintain dialogue with decision-makers
A link between menstrual equity organizations and parliamentary or ministry decision-makers is necessary for the implementation of effective policies. Each stakeholder needs to be guided and reassured to give programs the chance to succeed and achieve their goals.
In the case of free access program to menstrual products, for example, it is essential to share information and maintain dialogue between organizations working on menstrual poverty and decision-makers to help them trust the beneficiaries, in the sense that they will not « take advantage » of the situation. It is essential not to be afraid to educate on a very basic and tangible level, like reminding people of the importance of creating a space where people feel comfortable asking for the products they need, rather than hiding them somewhere and people feeling uneasy when using them.
Including diversity in communications
Creating a more inclusive world means using language that integrates all menstruating people. As Canadians and Québécois·e·s, taking diversity into account is a course of action to which we must firmly adhere.
Not all women menstruate, and not all menstruating people are women. It is therefore essential not to neglect the diversity of people who live and are affected by the different issues surrounding menstruation (for example, trans men, non-binary and menstruating intersex people, incarcerated people, and Indigenous people, to name a few).
If menstrual equity is to be achieved, it is essential to address this issue through an intersectional approach. It is therefore necessary to bring visibility to this diversity which is not represented in traditional communications and to show the multiplicity of realities and experiences of menstrual poverty.
It is also important to use the same terminology, the same wording and regardless of the languages spoken, as this allows for a coherent inclusive approach.
Engaging both women and men
One of the pitfalls is not to involve men in the discussion. This change of perspective is still not approved by elder women, due to mistrust and fear that men will take control of the cause. The younger generation, however, is more open to considering the views of men, who they consider as equal partners in this discussion.
This is the best way to act because menstrual poverty is not a « feminine » issue: it is a human rights and gender equality concern.
Men must therefore be included, and the awareness-raising work implemented to rally them to the cause. This might also lead women who think that menstrual poverty is not a real issue to reconsider their position.
Considering the specific needs of menstruating people
It is essential to ensure that young people and different marginalised populations not only have their basic needs met, but also that their choices are considered and respected (different types of menstrual products and any other menstruation related needs such as painkillers, medical consultations, etc.).
To do this, it is recommended to collect stories and testimonies as well as considering the needs of a specific population. For example, the indigenous people may not be comfortable using tampons and may opt for more conventional methods. On the other hand, young people in schools may use tampons or menstrual cups, etc.
The organizations also report that, when possible, offering reusable products helps to stem menstrual poverty for several years and make the person not only less dependent on monthly donations but also increases their sense of empowerment. Nevertheless, fighting menstrual poverty in the long term with products that last about 3 years requires access to good quality materials and the ability to wash them with cold water and soap.
Connecting with the communities we want to help
Being able to tell stories and anecdotes, as observed in indigenous communities where oral storytelling has been so instrumental, can be fundamental to advancing in menstrual health equity.
Testimonials provide access to menstrual stories that communities face and pass them on to people who are reluctant to fund projects so that they become aware of the need to provide services or products, and to support the supply chain for menstrual supplies, safe sanitation facilities as well as free menstrual products. In addition, gathering information on the specific needs of the communities at the source makes it more feasible to meet them.
It is important to have a strong relationship with the community to determine how to work together in a sustainable way and better refine approaches.
Finally, the more numerous and diverse these testimonies are (in terms of experiences, specificities, etc.) the more it will be possible to lobby for the implementation of inclusive public health policies for menstrual equity.
Think health, sustainability, and empowerment
Our health and the earth’s health are closely linked. It is essential to expand and sustain subsidies for purchasing reusable menstrual products and also support companies that manufacture and market quality products in Canada.
In addition, the organizations report that, when possible, offering reusable products makes it possible to stem period poverty for several years and make the person less dependent on monthly donations and increase their feeling of autonomy. However, addressing menstrual poverty over the long term with products that last around three years requires suitable quality materials and the ability to wash them with cold water and soap.
Encouraging research on women’s health
There is too little research on menstrual health and women’s health in general. It is therefore essential to encourage change at this level. This research must be conducted in a comprehensive and intersectional approach so that the data and analyses collected enable the implementation of coherent, effective, and egalitarian public health policies.
We know that research and scientific evidence are the keys to raising awareness of the issues and needs of the population. In 2022, women’s health and menstrual health can no longer be overlooked in research: half the planet experiences menstruation!
Learning from the pandemic
Menstruating people living in precarious conditions find it difficult to obtain menstrual products and this situation will only increase in the near future.
During the pandemic, many people have experienced the financial stress of having to choose between menstrual products and other basic needs (food, rent, etc.). This reality, pre-existing to the pandemic, has only been exacerbated.
Indeed, according to a study conducted in Montreal by YAFP Canada, menstruating people have more difficulty accessing menstrual products now as opposed to before the pandemic due to the closure or decline of services offered by certain organizations (community centers, shelters, etc.). which generally provide them to the population.
During the pandemic, the disruption of water supply in some places (indigenous communities in particular) has had an impact on people’s ability to manage their menstruations. Stockouts and supply chain disruptions in northern communities have also compromised access to menstrual products. Not to mention people quarantined in hotels or who could not leave their house, who faced challenges in accessing menstrual products.
This period has made it possible to highlight the scarcity that certain students face and the lack of knowledge of establishments, academic institutions, and the general population regarding the issue of menstrual equity.
Similar to the arrangements that have been made during the pandemic to provide information and support to the population, it would be pertinent to create a helpline for people with menstrual health difficulties.
Focus on collaboration with all organizations interested in menstrual health
The fight for menstrual equity is a collective effort that doesn’t solely rest on the shoulders of one organization.
For several years, many people have been involved in this cause and achieving positive results. Courage and inspiration must therefore be drawn from the initiatives or projects of other local organizations, but also from other provinces and territories because it is necessary to build based on what has been achieved elsewhere. Conducting measures and plans specific to menstrual health equity in Quebec and then comparing them to what works elsewhere in Canada will indicate the weaknesses or blind spots as well as target the areas to improve.
Working in silos wastes valuable time and makes collective action less effective. It is therefore essential to exchange, to learn from each other, to share expertise, to coordinate actions, etc. Hence the need to create a kind of « quasi-formal structure » to move forward together and best defend the rights of menstruating people. The result of this collaborative work will make the government aware of the magnitude of this issue and inspire as well as motivate to implement the necessary change.
One of the biggest challenges for organizations made up exclusively of young volunteers is to ensure the sustainability of the project. They must implement durable practices to maintain energy, to ensure the continuity and stability of the project in the long term and to last and grow in a healthy way. Here again, collaboration with other organizations can provide interesting solutions to implement strategies that have previously succeeded.
Finally, exchanges between organizations can also provide clues on the types of funding and partnerships needed to implement sustainable initiatives. It is recommended to collaborate with partners, companies, or other stakeholders in addition to government funding to amplify its endeavors. This can really be beneficial and even lifesaving in ensuring support to the communities and people who need it most, in a sustainable way.