A Period Equity Pilot Project
Imagine you’re out in public and you get your period but you don’t have any menstrual products with you. What do you do?
It’s an uncomfortable situation no one wants to experience. Fortunately, your Library has a solution.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new initiative – free menstrual products at the Library. Now available in public washrooms across all London Public Library branches, we’re doing our part to support period equity and people who menstruate.
What is Period Equity?
Period equity is the idea that everyone should have equal access to menstrual products. Unfortunately, we know that is not the case. 61% of people who menstruate struggle to access these products, 90% of which indicated this was due to financial reasons.1 This issue, known as period poverty severely impacts marginalized populations, affecting many aspects of life.
Period equity is both a human rights issue and a public health concern. Without access to these personal hygiene products, individuals can end up with serious health problems including infections and toxic shock syndrome.
Menstrual products are a basic need, and food banks across the country see firsthand how far too many people are forced to choose between personal hygiene products or buying enough food to eat. – Food Bank of Canada
Our Pilot Project
Kristen Caschera, our Central Information & Fiction Supervisor developed this passion project after being inspired by the evolving need for individualized support in our community. She energizes this initiative with her dedication to making a difference and addressing community needs.
Funded by generous Library donors, this pilot program places baskets filled with period products in all our washrooms. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone who needs these products can access them privately and with dignity.
We hope this project will not only reduce the stigma around menstruation by normalizing the presence of menstrual products in public washrooms, but also reduce the burden faced by those who cannot afford menstrual products.
Kristen Caschera explains, “Libraries serve people of all ages, races, backgrounds, and income levels. By providing these necessary supplies in a judgment-free environment, we support our patrons' health and success, especially youth and marginalized communities.”
As the program continues, we will evaluate the needs and costs to sustain this service and seek additional funding opportunities.
For more information about the program, contact us at info@lpl.ca.
1. Source: Government of Canada, Women and Gender Equality Canada. What We Heard: Menstrual Equity Fund Consultations.