Help Us End Period Poverty
Posted by Dr. Alda Ngo
This holiday season, together with Alberta Reproductive Centre, we are collaborating with No Period Without, to raise awareness about a major reproductive health issue – period poverty.
We are sponsoring a city-wide menstrual product drive and inviting our colleagues, reproductive and women’s health clinics across Edmonton to join us in collecting menstrual product donations throughout the holiday season.
What is period poverty?
Period poverty is a multi-factorial issue that is shaped by lack of access to menstrual products, washroom facilities, and laundry services. It is also further complicated by stigma, shame, and gender identity.
United Way Alberta reports that nearly 1 in 4 Canadian people that menstruate say they have struggled to afford menstrual products for themselves or their children. Homeless shelters face an increased need for resources in the winter and studies have shown that 95% of community organizations are asked if they provide free menstrual products.
We believe that every menstruating person deserves the dignity of equal access to period products. This holiday season, we’re bringing Edmonton’s reproductive health community together to support No Period Without and their work towards ending period poverty.
Period Poverty Facts
- According to recent United Way Alberta report:
- 34% of people who menstruate in Canada had to make budget sacrifices to afford menstrual products.
- Almost ¼ of people who menstruate in Canada say they have struggled to afford menstrual products for themselves or their children.
- Not having access to menstrual products is an isolating factor: in Canada, menstruation is one of the top 2 reasons why people who menstruate miss work. Up to 70% of menstruators say they have missed school or work because of their period.
- Studies show that people who menstruate feel that their period prevents them from fully participating in social activities.
- 34% of people who menstruate in Canada had to make budget sacrifices to afford menstrual products.
Holiday menstrual pad drive
During the holiday season, starting November 20th, drop off a menstrual product donation at our clinic and enter your name into a draw for a complimentary Acupuncture session.
For a list of all donation sites, check the No Period Without website.
If your clinic would like to be a donation site, please contact us or Alberta Reproductive Centre for more information and a donation site kit.
No Period Without will distribute all menstrual product donations to Edmonton community partner organizations in need.
Thank you for helping us to end Period Poverty!!!
