Ontario Launches Free Menstrual Products in Schools

Friday, October 8, 2021

As part of a 3-year partnership, Ontario students will have access to free menstrual products provided through their school. This program will benefit students who need menstrual products and are unable to afford or access them, resulting in an inability to participate in school and other activities.

A Plan International Canada survey of Canadian menstruators between the ages of 14-55 found that:

  • 63% have missed an activity because of their period and concerns about not being able to access menstrual hygiene products.
  • 41% of have been teased about being on their period, including by friends, colleagues and relatives.
  • 34% have had to regularly or occasionally sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual products.
  • 93% support having menstrual hygiene products for free in schools.

The Plan survey results showed that despite growing public conversation about menstrual products and menstruation, social stigmas strongly persist. The organization is shedding light on the fact that ‘normal’ for too many menstruators in Canada and around the world means not having access to proper supplies or information to manage their periods safely. You can read more about this provincial partnership at news.ontario.ca.

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