The recently reshaped discourse of menstrual equity shines a light on making sure all people have what they need. The call for action is being answered by a group of social enterprises located in Brampton, Ontario. They are committed to addressing the challenges posed by menstrual inequity. These Menstrual Equity Social Enterprise in Brampton, ON, provide not only much-needed products but also a dose of education concerning the shame and financial burden so many menstruating individuals bear.
Menstrual Equity Social Enterprise in Brampton, ON, Made Easier
Equitable menstruation, if you will, means equal assistance given to all people with menstrual cycles. This includes accessing and affording menstrual products, education, and a safe, hygienic facility. It seeks to eliminate barriers that most face because of the high costs of menstrual products. These problems also include a lack of public education and societal taboos on menstruation. Period poverty has been a hidden issue for too long, which has left those affected to suffer in silence.
While most people in Brampton struggle to pay their bills, for some, menstrual products become just one more monthly battlement. A box of tampons or sanitary pads can cost more than $10. Therefore, many low-income earners have to choose between food and other essentials versus menstrual supplies. This becomes the point at which menstrual equity becomes a critical issue not only of physical health but also of dignity and full participation in life.
Social Enterprises Step Up
Social enterprises are leading effective change in Brampton. Unlike businesses, social enterprises focus their mission not only on profits but also on resolving everyday social issues, such as period poverty; no one should be left behind simply because their families cannot afford or find adequate menstrual supplies. Let’s find out exactly how.
- Provision of Free or Subsidized Menstrual Products: The most direct avenue through which social enterprises in Brampton have addressed menstrual equity is by distributing free or low-cost menstrual products to people who cannot afford them. Other organizations, like Project Period and Pads for People, have developed partnerships with schools, shelters, and community centers to provide access to such necessities.
- Creating Awareness and Educating: In addition to product provision, Menstrual Equity Social Enterprise in Brampton, ON, is discoursively reconfiguring menstruation. Often, taboo, shame, and misinformation have cloaked menstruation. Agencies like The Reusables and Period Positivity Brampton attempt to dismantle such barriers through public educational campaigns. They hold workshops and events on menstrual health and hygiene and the need to normalize the discussion of menstruation. They do so by educating the young in schools to allow future generations to grow up with a healthier view of menstruation.
- Advocacy in Policy Changes: Other social enterprises in Brampton take their advocacy a step further by working at the policy level. They emphasize that while individual efforts are significant, systemic change is essential to achieving accurate menstrual equity. For example, including free menstrual products in public restrooms, just like toilet paper, is a necessary step. Advocacy groups work with local government officials to implement policy changes that advocate menstrual equity, like requiring schools and public institutions to provide period products for free.
Why Menstrual Equity Matters
Menstrual equity is not a “women’s issue” but a public health and educational issue based on equality. As long as people of all genders do not have access to menstrual products, they are also going to miss out on school, work, or social activities. These things have lifelong influences on opportunity. What’s more, the stress of trying to manage periods without proper supplies can add to poor mental health.
Of course, this is much worse for people in shelters or on the streets. To begin with, the lack of access to appropriate facilities with clean spaces and products needed during this time makes one much more vulnerable to infection and discomfort. Menstrual equity guarantees that menstruation does not compromise a person’s dignity and health, no matter their situation in life.
How You Can Make a Difference
This work of social enterprises in Brampton is inspiring; however, they cannot do this work in isolation. There are several ways that individuals can support this movement for menstrual equity:
- Donate: Many social enterprises depend on donations to provide free or subsidized products to those in need. Consider donating money or menstrual supplies to organizations such as The Reusables or Pads for People.
- Volunteer: Since most of these organizations are volunteer-driven, it’s a great place to contribute your time. Help organize donation drives, distribute products, or assist with educational workshops.
- Advocate: Advocate for menstrual equity and help break the stigma around menstruation. Ask your schools, workplaces, and government institutions to provide free period products in their facilities.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about menstrual health for yourself and share it with your community. The more we speak openly about menstruation, the more we can overcome the embarrassment and shame associated with it.
Concluding
Menstrual equity is one of those issues that continues to affect scores in Brampton and beyond. Menstrual Equity Social Enterprise in Brampton, ON, is at the forefront of attempting to meet this need with products, education, and advocacy. This is essential work, for no person should be left behind because of something so natural as menstruation. Let us come together to support such efforts with The Reusables in developing a future where everyone has the access they need to menstrual care. Visit their website to learn how you can volunteer.
