News & Events
Oxford Brookes University Supporting Menstrual Equity
Oxford Brookes University joins forces with the Student Union in our shared commitment to menstrual equity. As Jennifer Weiss-Wolf stated in "Periods Gone Public," menstrual equity is about more than just access to products; it's about destigmatising menstruation and promoting awareness and education surrounding menstrual health. Together, we want to ensure that every member of our community has equal access to menstrual products and resources, regardless of financial constraints. Through awareness-raising, advocacy, and practical support services, we're working to create an inclusive environment where equity prevails.
At Oxford Brookes, we recognise that achieving menstrual equity requires sustained, collective effort. By standing working together, we're actively challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation and breaking down barriers to access.
Annoncement
#MenstrualHygieneDay, we’re highlighting the importance of supporting menstrual health in the workplace with BS 30416.
The standard empowers organizations to create a supportive environment for employees experiencing menstruation, menstrual health and menopause. Oxford Brookes University's (OBU) implementation of BS 30416 showcases the impact of raising awareness, providing sustainable menstrual products, and fostering an inclusive culture.
Read our case study with BSI to see how BS 30416 can help organizations make meaningful changes and support menstrual health in the workplace: Oxford Brookes / BSI Case Study
BSI_Oxford_Brookes_University_Case_Study.pdfEvent News
The British Standard Institute (BSI) - Using the BSI Standard on Menstruation and Menopause to Achieve Menstrual Equity in the Workplace Webinar - Took place on Thursday the 30th of May. if you missed the live session you can catch up on demand now.
Using the BSI standard on menstruation, menstrual health, and menopause to achieve menstrual equity in the workplace.
Many myths and fictions around menstruation and menopause are contributing to inequality in the workplace. Organizations that want to foster a more supportive workplace culture should join this free webinar on 30 May to learn the role that BS 30416:2023 can play in tackling the taboos, normalizing the subject, and making useful changes.
This webinar will cover
myth-busting;
supportive workplaces and inclusivity;
male allyship;
policy guidance;
a case study; and
a Q&A session.
The recording can be viewed at this link and will shortly be uploaded onto our on-demand site.
Oxford Brookes University Launches Menstrual Equity Project
On April 8th, 2024, Oxford Brookes University, in partnership with Brookes Union, unveiled the Menstrual Equity Project at the JHB Headington Forum. The launch was a resounding success, underscoring the university's commitment to gender inclusivity. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our work in promoting menstrual equity.
Electra Dottin, Sarah Howcutt, Maxine Fletcher, Jacob Callicott
Upcoming Events
Passed Events
British Standards Institution
Menstrual Equity in the Workplace - Webinar
When: Thursday 30 May, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (BST)
Using the BSI standard on menstruation, menstrual health, and menopause to achieve menstrual equity in the workplace.
Many myths and fictions around menstruation and menopause are contributing to inequality in the workplace. Organizations that want to foster a more supportive workplace culture should join this free webinar on 30 May to learn the role that BS 30416:2023 can play in tackling the taboos, normalizing the subject, and making useful changes.
This webinar will cover
myth-busting;
supportive workplaces and inclusivity;
male allyship;
policy guidance;
a case study; and
a Q&A session.
For more information: Visit Menstrual Equity in the Workplace
In the news
Period Poverty in UK Higher Education:
Addressing Stigma and Empowering Students
By Laura Coryton 22 JAN 2024
Period poverty is a term that refers to the inability of individuals to access menstrual products, due to financial constraints, limited availability or stigma preventing them from seeking the essential products they need. This issue affects millions of people worldwide, including 36% of UK students. A lack of accessible menstrual products and the stigma surrounding menstruation can significantly impact students’ physical and mental health, as well as their academic success. In this article, we will explore period poverty rates in UK higher education, the impact of period stigma on students, and outline the strategies universities can adopt to combat this issue and empower students.
Read Full Story: Period Poverty in UK Higher Education: Addressing Stigma and Empowering Students
How dangerous are period Pants containing Silver?
By Kimberly Bond 13 NOV 2023
Silver can be added to pants to combat concerns about hygiene and odour
A new study has found a number of period pants available in the UK could contain high levels of silver, leading to concern from customers.
However, whilst it’s not uncommon for underwear of this kind of contain silver, which is added as an antimicrobial agent (the silver combats odours and gives users a greater reassurance on hygiene) higher levels of silver can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your vagina, which fights infection. Concerns have been raised that this disruption could leave wearers exposed to and more likely to contract bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
Read Full Story: How dangerous are period Pants containing Silver?
What can employers do to break down period stigma in the workplace?
By Kc Drummond 13 MAR 2023
The impact of period stigma in the workplace
Period stigma impacts women and people with periods in different ways. For starters, the lack of open dialogue can make it difficult to ask for help. If, for example, an employee needs a toilet break due to heavy bleeding they may end up suffering in silence.
Read Full Story: What can employers do to break down period stigma in the workplace?
How to make reusable sanitary pads
By Amika George 07 MAY 2021
What do you need to make eco-friendly, reusable sanitary pads?
Sanitary pad making is easier than you may think, in fact, you’ll only need these 5 standard household items:
Plastic.
Scissors.
Needle and thread.
Blanket.
Cotton sheet.
These are the basic items you’ll need; you could always use a sewing machine instead of a needle and thread if you prefer.
Read Full Story: How to make reusable sanitary pads
