The panic of a surprise period. The quick scan for a spare tampon. The quiet, uncomfortable feeling that you have to "deal with it" on your own. Have you been there? For millions of menstruators around the world, this is more than an inconvenience. It's a barrier. And for those in schools and universities, this monthly barrier impacts their education, health, and dignity.
As Courtney B., 29, shares in BLEED:
"I started out excited to finally 'become a woman, ' but from the beginning, it involved discomfort. I had to use toilet paper because my school did not have pads. Immediately, I felt a sense of disillusionment that never left... With school programs that supply pads and tampons for free, I hope that kids won't have to suffer with a big, scratchy wet ball of single-ply toilet paper and blood in their undies. There is a lot of work left to do."
When we talk about health and wellness, we talk about nutrition, exercise, and mental health. But proper period care is a cornerstone of this conversation. When students can't access safe, reliable products, it can lead to health risks, like rashes and infections, that make it impossible to focus. It's about having the physical comfort to be present in class and the mental freedom to focus on learning, not on the fear of a leak or the shame of having to ask.
Period Care Products are a Matter of Health
Maintaining good menstrual health is essential for preventing infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Access to quality period care products isn't a luxury; it's a basic health necessity.
In an article published by Harvard Health, Dr. Huma Farid explains the impact:
"I have had patients tell me that they use toilet paper or paper towels instead of pads or tampons because they cannot afford menstrual products. People with heavy periods requiring frequent changes of these products particularly face financial challenges, as they must buy even more pads or tampons than the average menstruating person. If they try to extend the life of products by using them for multiple hours at a time, they can wind up with vulvar irritation and vaginal discomfort. They may also be at greater risk for toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening infection."
The data paints a clear picture:
According to a 2023 study by Plan International Canada, one in five women and girls in Canada have struggled to afford period products. And of those who experience period poverty, 15% said their inability to afford menstrual products held them back from participating in daily activities, such as attending school or work.
This is not a budget problem for schools; it's a social and academic crisis for students.
The Domino Effect: From Shame to Success
Providing free period products in schools is a strategic investment in the well-being of an entire generation.
Imagine a student in a math class. Instead of worrying about a potential leak, she’s focused on the quadratic equation. Instead of missing an important lecture on history, she is there, engaged and confident.
This change ripples out:
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For the Student: It removes a major reason for absenteeism, leading to better academic performance and a more positive school experience. It also helps fight the deep-seated shame and stigma around menstruation, fostering a culture of openness and support.
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For the School: It shows that the institution is a forward-thinking, inclusive place that values the well-being of all its students. It normalizes menstruation and elevates it as a legitimate health issue, not a secret to be hidden.
This is what a true commitment to period equity looks like. It’s an act of empathy that builds a better learning environment.
It’s Time for Action: How You Can Be a Period Equity Advocate at School
You care about this issue, and that's exactly why you can make a difference. As a direct consumer of joni, you have a voice. Your purchasing power and your advocacy can create real, tangible change in your community and beyond.
Here are five steps you can take today to advocate for period equity at your school or your child's school:
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Educate Yourself and Others: Begin by learning more about the issue, and then share your knowledge. Talk about it with your friends, family, and neighbours. Normalize the conversation. Don't be afraid to speak up about the importance of period equity because it's the first step to change.
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Contact Your School Administration: Write an email or schedule a meeting with your child’s principal, a school board member, or the student union at your alma mater. Explain the statistics and the impact of period poverty. Ask them directly about their current period product policy and what it would take to make products free and accessible in all school bathrooms.
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Advocate for Education Workshops: Suggest that the school or student union hold workshops and assemblies on menstrual health. These sessions can help debunk myths, reduce stigma, and teach all students—regardless of gender—about menstruation, its importance, and how to support those who menstruate.
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Connect Your School with the Solution: Let them know that this doesn't have to be a complicated or expensive undertaking. As a brand committed to this cause, we’ve developed turnkey, affordable period care solutions for schools. Suggest they connect with joni for a hassle-free, cost-effective way to provide sustainable, accessible period products.
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Be a Voice for Systemic Change: Look up your local and state/provincial laws. Is there a "tampon tax" in your area? Has your government considered legislation for period equity? Join a local advocacy group like PERIOD. or find a community-based organization to amplify your voice and support legislative change.
A Picture of a Better Future
To illustrate the impact, check out this bar chart, which visually represents the key findings from "The State of the Period" study.
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Data Points:
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25% couldn't do their schoolwork because they didn't have products.
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58% had to ask a friend or stranger for products, leading to embarrassment and discomfort.
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Nearly 1 in 4 Canadians who menstruate have struggled to afford period products.
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There's more than one way to advocate for period equity in your community. It may look like taking direct action and advocating at your school, it may be spreading awareness and telling people on your social media about the issue, it could be sharing this blog post, and it could be supporting joni—because every purchase supports period equity in communities across the country. Whatever you do, you are helping to build a future where a period is never a barrier to a student’s potential.