Period poverty is a growing issue in which those of menstruating age cannot gain access to the supplies needed, which in turn can be detrimental to health. In Canada, Indigenous women have a disproportionately higher difficulty in managing adequate period care. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that nearly 73% of indigenous women living in rural areas had difficulty accessing care, and nearly 55% in urban areas faced the same challenge. However, following a report from the House of Commons Canada titled, ‘LET’S TALK ABOUT IT, PERIOD: ACHIEVING MENSTRUAL EQUITY IN CANADA Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women’ the government and community have taken strides to positively impact period poverty in Indigenous communities. Here is more information about how period poverty in Canada is being addressed in indigenous communities.

1. Canada’s Menstrual Equity Fund

Canada’s Menstrual Equity Fund (MEF) is a four phase project that aims to tackle stigma and obstacles that perpetuate period poverty in different forms. Phase one addresses research and engagement, revealing that the community felt that access, funding and education about menstruation and menstrual products were vital. Meanwhile, phase two focused on the establishment of a pilot program by providing free menstrual products across low income communities, as well as partnering with smaller community based organizations to provide education and reduce stigma. Phase 3 was a call for project proposals from five national nonprofits, during which Food Banks Canada was selected to run the pilot program. Meanwhile, phase four was implemented in September 2023, leading to 400 pilot sites and 2,000 distribution centers all across every province and territory. Funding went towards organizations that could provide ample menstruation education and access to free menstrual products. 

2. Prioritizing the Community

Historically, menstruation has been a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood, often having deep cultural ties within indigenous cultures. However, the act of colonization erased many practices, and it is now important to support community led growth to promote diversity and inclusion. Days For Girls is an organization focused on tying education and access to menstruation products in order to promote real policy and advocacy change. In a series of recommendations for improving period poverty among Indigenous communities, they highlight the need for the approach to be community led, rather than an outreach program. This would include supporting traditional ceremonies, providing access and a variety of menstrual products, and addressing deeper issues that impact period poverty such as access to clean water and waste disposal. 

3. Providing Menstrual Education to All

A major component to period poverty is lack of education and stigma surrounding menstruation, which can create shame and embarrassment rather than a healthy environment. While there are several organizations focused on providing ample education, such as Monthly Dignity and The Period Purse, the need for a national guideline to provide an encompassing approach to menstrual education is a necessity. Additionally, educational continuity across the nation is necessary to ensure that each community receives the same level of care, access, and education. Furthermore, the education that people are receiving is often tied to the instructor’s level of comfort surrounding menstruation, a result of any stigma that may surround the subject. It is vital that the education provided be consistent and constant, helping erase stigma and provide adequate care for those who need it. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, while period poverty in Canada may seem like an immensely difficult issue to solve, these three points highlight that actionable and measurable change is possible. Through community guidance and advocacy, period poverty in Indigenous Canadian communities is more than possible, and is happening right now.

– Angel Savanagouder

Angel is based in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons