The Cost of Silence survey was created to better understand how menstruators across Canada experience access to period care in everyday spaces — from schools and workplaces to public washrooms, transit systems, and healthcare facilities.
What we found is not a series of isolated challenges. It is a consistent pattern: menstrual needs are still not fully integrated into the design of public infrastructure.
This matters because access to period care is not only a personal issue. It is shaped by systems — how spaces are designed, how supplies are stocked, and how seriously menstrual needs are considered in planning and operations.
What we measured
The Cost of Silence survey gathered responses from menstruators across Canada about:
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Access to menstrual products in public and private spaces
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Experiences in school, workplace, and transit washrooms
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Affordability and financial trade-offs related to period care
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Menstrual health education and information sources
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Dignity, privacy, and usability of washroom environments
The goal was to better understand how menstrual equity shows up in real life — not just in policy discussions or assumptions.
What we’re seeing across the data
Across responses, three clear themes emerged:
1. Menstrual infrastructure is inconsistent
Many public and private washrooms still do not reliably provide menstrual products or adequate disposal systems. When products are available, they are often unpredictable, inaccessible, or poorly maintained.
This creates gaps in access that force people to improvise or leave spaces entirely.
2. Access is still tied to cost and location
A significant number of menstruators report having to choose between purchasing period products and other essentials.
This means access is not only about availability — it is also about where people are and whether support exists at the point of need.
3. Menstrual health information is uneven
Many people still rely on family members for menstrual health information rather than healthcare providers or formal education systems.
This highlights ongoing gaps in consistent, evidence-based menstrual health education.
Why we frame this as “menstrual infrastructure”
At joni, we use the term menstrual infrastructure to describe the systems that make period care accessible — or inaccessible — in everyday life.
This includes:
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Product availability in washrooms and public spaces
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Maintenance and stocking systems
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Disposal and sanitation design
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Workplace and school policies
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Education and information access
When these systems are not in place, menstrual equity becomes dependent on individual preparedness rather than reliable infrastructure.
What this means going forward
The findings from the Cost of Silence survey make one thing clear: improving menstrual equity requires system-level change.
That includes:
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Designing washrooms that account for menstrual needs
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Ensuring consistent point-of-need access to period products
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Improving menstrual health education and literacy
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Supporting workplaces and schools with practical implementation tools
These are not abstract goals — they are operational decisions that shape everyday experiences.
Explore the full findings
For a deeper breakdown of the data, including key statistics and detailed insights across access, affordability, and education:
👉 Read the full Cost of Silence Survey findings
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