Access, Or Not? 

Lack Of Access to Menstrual Hygiene Dispensers

An Article Written by Charlotte Ashe

There’s Something That ESOMS Is Missing: Menstrual Hygiene Product Dispensers!

Recently I’ve come across the fact that there is a lack of access to menstrual hygiene dispensers in the school washrooms, and I plan to make a change about it. Keep reading if you also think we should fundraise to help make accessing feminine hygiene products easier for all students here at school.  I have worked with Mme Sharp, our principal for a few weeks on thai subject, brainstorming different ways to make our plan happen.

A Short Background:

Over 21% of people who menstruate in Canada have reported that they have struggled to access period products around them. Even if  21% may not seem like a lot,  that's around 4.2 million people who menstruate in Canada. Many of these students are in middle school and got their first period there, yet had no access to products due to the lack of availability. 

What Is Menstruation?

 You can’t possibly join in a solution without knowing what it is first. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, here’s a refresher: 

Menstruation is commonly known as a period. It is the natural shedding of the uterine lining that occurs roughly every 28 days. The average length of a period is three to seven days. The blood can sometimes leak through clothes, and go unnoticed, which can be embarrassing if you’re not prepared! 

Why Should There Be Menstrual Hygiene Product Dispensers?

Getting your first period often happens unexpectedly, and it shouldn’t be such a scary thing. It is completely normal, and students will be better prepared to handle it if we have a functioning machine. Yes, I realize that you could walk up to the office to grab one, but I believe that students shouldn't have to! Getting your first period shouldn’t really be known as a “secret”, but it is something personal. Walking all the way to the office and having to ask for one could be a little scary. If a student’s in the office, then some people passing by might wonder what they would be doing in there, so it’s important that they have some privacy. If we install a sanitary pad dispenser in the washrooms, it would raise confidence by being able to do it by yourself. It would save students from possible embarrassment by having to ask an adult for a pad or tampon, and students would get to have a nice beginning into adulthood by the independence and privacy of our own machine. Privacy includes having safe, private spaces where students can access menstrual products, instructions on how to use them, and trash receptacles for private disposal. This means students self-determine when they need to access products, what products they choose, where they are safe to use them, and how to take care of their own bodily functions with dignity. Students who require adult support should be accorded as much independence as possible, ensuring an appropriate level of consent and respecting their dignity, as identified and documented within the student-specific planning process. 

What’s Stopping us?

Our school bathrooms have a history of vandalism, trashing, misuse of products, etc. We want to make sure that products (hopefully soon) made accessible are to be used responsibly, not wasted as they have been in past years. Menstrual hygiene is already available to all students, however I would like to make a change and allow more privacy for those who menstruate!

For funding ideas, these are just a few ways that we can finance these machines if needed:

Bake Sale: This is a classic and simple fundraiser. Students can bake treats to sell during lunch breaks or at school events. You can add a twist by having themed treats (e.g., holiday-themed cookies or cupcakes).

Raffle: Gather donated prizes from local businesses or the school community, and sell raffle tickets. This could be for things like gift cards, fun experiences, or school-related items like extra recess time.

Recycling Drive: Organize a recycling drive for items like cans, bottles, or electronics. Schools can partner with local recycling centers to get money for collected items.

There are MANY other possible ways to fundraise, and I trust that the people in our ESOMS can help achieve these goals with our commitment, integrity, creativity, and hardworking spirit!