Period poverty campaign launches amid rising costs

Period poverty – lack of access to menstrual products – is widespread and growing, says United Way B.C.

Most British Columbians are unaware that at least half of people who menstruate will find it hard to access products at some point in their lives, the organization says, and high inflation rates mean the number of people who can’t afford menstrual products is increasing.

Beginning today, United Way B.C. is launching its 2023 Period Promise campaign along with Pacific Blue Cross and CUPE Local 1816. It’s asking British Columbians to help tackle period poverty from May 16 to June 13 by donating period products or money or by organizing their own Period Promise campaigns.

"The cost-of-living crisis and the existing stigma around talking about periods means that many people who menstruate go without the products they need in order to have a good quality of life,” said Naomi Woodland, community impact and investment coordinator for United Way B.C.’s south Okanagan region. “United Way B.C. strengthens communities through vital connections and by showing up for each other in our times of need, we demonstrate how impactful that can be.”

Last year’s campaign set a record of over 700,000 menstrual products collected, and United Way B.C. is calling on British Columbians to beat that total.

To find out more and make donations of cash or menstrual products, go to uwbc.ca/program/period-promise. That’s also where community members and organizations interested in starting a Period Promise campaign can find a toolkit to get started.

United Way’s research on the issue shows that:

• 26 per cent of people who menstruate in B.C. say that they had gone through a period without having menstrual products available to them;

• Not having access to menstrual products is an isolating factor: 18 per cent of respondents indicated that they missed school, 22 per cent work, 29 per cent community events, and 27 per cent social events when they didn’t have access;

• Nearly 75 per cent of respondents indicated that having access to products at community organizations allows them to be more engaged in their community.

Statistics Canada's Consumer Price Index shows that the cost of personal care items like tampons and pads is up 6.2 per cent over last year. This means more British Columbians who menstruate will struggle to afford menstrual products, United Way B.C. said.

“As the cost of living continues to rise and inflation impacts essential items, including basic hygiene supplies, supporting this year’s Period Promise campaign is more important than ever. Through donations of menstrual products, financial contributions and organizing our own campaigns, we can raise awareness to help alleviate period poverty in our communities,” said Rob Chiarello, senior vice president of people and culture at Pacific Blue Cross. “Together, we can make a meaningful and tangible contribution towards building healthy communities and improving the health and wellbeing of British Columbians.”

The Period Promise campaign runs May 16 to June 13.