In recognition of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, Algonquin College has partnered with Citron Hygiene and Aunt Flow to provide free menstrual products in 43 Ottawa campus washrooms.
Aunt Flow dispensers are stocked with organic cotton tampons and pads to mitigate instances in which menstruators may have to miss out on activities or classes due to their period or need to sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual products.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is a time to break taboos and end the stigma surrounding menstruation, raise awareness about the challenges regarding access to menstrual products, educate about menstruation and period-friendly sanitation facilities, and mobilize funding for global action.
According to statistics referenced by both the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario, 63 per cent of menstruaters surveyed in 2021 had concerns about not being able to access either menstrual products or proper sanitation facilities, and 34 per cent had faced budget/affordability issues.
“AC believes in creating an accessible and equitable environment; if toilet paper and soap are freely accessible, period products should be too. By providing Aunt Flow period products we are doing our part to ensure the needs of our College community are met,” said Ryan Southwood, Executive Director, Facilities Management.
True to the College’s values of Caring, Learning, Integrity and Respect, AC as committed to ensuring that everyone has the best learning experience possible, offering free menstrual products is just one more way that the College can do that.
Looking for products? Find the machine nearest to you here. Remember there is limited supply of products, and while best efforts will be made to ensure dispensers are fully stocked, the College asks you to please only take what you need, when you need it.