There is scepticism about a Free Menstrual Products Program initiated by the Ontario Government

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement was made in a press release at the Ontario government’s website: news ontario.ca. It was the culmination of months of collaboration and negotiation between the Ontario government and Shoppers Drug Mart. This agreement is the first one that the Ontario government has ever been involved in that addresses the important societal issue of period poverty.

The press release states, “Period poverty impacts the most vulnerable students and is a situation that has been exacerbated by increased financial pressures as result of COVID-19 pandemic. Students who cannot afford menstrual products may experience a higher rate of absenteeism from schools, challenges to engage fully in the classroom and negative health effects, such as infections and toxic shock syndrome. It can also affect their social and emotional well-being.”

It was over two years ago on May 23^rd, 2019, that Plan International Canada released the results of a survey to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, which indicated that period poverty is a real issue. The survey showed that “Almost two-thirds of females aged 14 to 55 in Canada have had to miss out of an activity because of their period and concerns about not being able to access menstrual hygiene products, while almost six in ten (58%) have felt the need to lie about being on their period or hide a menstrual product.”

The survey further indicates that 93% of women and 88% of men and boys were in favour of free access to menstrual hygiene products in schools.

Caroline Riseboro, President and CEO of Plan International Canada states,” Access to menstrual hygiene products is a basic human right, not a luxury; and yet not easily obtained by all Ontarians. When one-third of respondents say they have had to sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual hygiene products, it’s clear Canadians who menstruate are not immune to financial strain. If we want to effect change in an impactful way, more needs to be done to improve access and normalize the conversation about menstruation.”

On an international level, Plan International Canada has been involved in a campaign to end period shaming and to involve boys in conversations to dispel menstruation taboos. The organization has been calling on policymakers to provide access to menstrual hygiene products for Canadians who are in need. British Columbia, Nova Scotia and P.E.I have taken proactive steps to address period poverty in schools.

There has been advocacy by school trustees of the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA) and the Toronto Youth Council to bring awareness to this issue. In conversation with Ontario Education Minister Stephen Leece and different Ontario school boards, the Ontario government came to a decision. Minister Leece states in the press release, “Through the strong advocacy of young leaders in our schools, it has become extremely clear that menstrual products are a necessity, not a luxury. This agreement will help remove barriers for women and girls by allowing them to access products at schools, free of charge.”

The free distribution will start during the current school year and continue for the next three years. Wendy Goddes, in a Facebook post, expressed scepticism about the timing of the announcement with the Ontario election slated for June 2022. She lists seven factors to be noted, such as:

• Boards will have to choose which schools get the dispensers and products
• Elementary schools are not part of this structure
• Six million pads per year shakes out to about 6 -10 pads per student
• It’s only pads, this program does not provide tampons or any reusable options, like menstrual cups or period underwear
• There are 1,200 dispensers so only 1 in 4 schools will get one
• Lots of gendered language, not all girls menstruate, and not all who menstruate identify as girls

In addition, there could be a potential human issue as it excludes men and non-binary people who menstruate.