Albertans mark Menstrual Hygiene Day by taking action in Alberta and around the world
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
EDMONTON, AB – Albertans from across the province are marking international Menstrual Hygiene Day on Friday, May 28 by taking action locally and globally to end period poverty and address menstrual inequality.
Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHDay) is marked around the world on the 28th of May as a day to encourage action and awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene management. To encourage participation in Alberta, the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC) is releasing a series of seven stories highlighting Albertan individuals and organizations and their actions to address menstrual equity. Additionally, ACGC curated locally-made ‘menstruation bracelets’ and distributed to mobilizers, influencers, and gender equity champions, encouraging recipients to share a photo and spread awareness through social media of the importance of addressing menstrual equity in Alberta and around the globe.
“Albertans have shown tremendous leadership on this issue,” states Leah Ettarh, Executive Director of ACGC. “From the City of Edmonton and EPSB announcing access to free menstrual products, thanks to advocacy of local student and non-profits, to organizations in Red Deer coming together to provide products in school, and Alberta-based international organizations such as CAUSE Canada and Days for Girls Canada, who ensure access to health and hygiene education and menstrual products in low-resource settings around the globe – everyday Albertans are leading and driving action to ensure everyone who menstruates can manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence, and without shame or stigma.”
Menstrual inequity and period poverty occur when people who menstruate — including women and girls, trans, and non-binary individuals — face barriers to managing their period. Barriers can be a lack of assets (for example, knowledge, menstrual pads, water, soap), a lack of services (such as education), or a lack of spaces (like toilets and handwashing facilities in schools and other public spaces). Period poverty has been an issue for a long time; however, the economic situation created by Covid-19 has heightened the need for immediate action.
