Period poverty is the inability to afford or access menstrual products, and it remains a growing concern.
A community-wide effort to address period poverty is underway across Oxford County as the Period Promise campaign returns this February.
Period poverty is the inability to afford or access menstrual products, and it remains a growing concern both locally and across Canada. Macy LeConte, Marketing and Communications Coordinator with United Way Oxford, said the issue affects one in six people who menstruate nationwide. She added that the impact of period poverty goes far beyond inconvenience.
She adds that rising costs mean one in five Canadians who menstruate say they might not be able to afford period products in the next year.
As conversations around menstruation become more open, it’s creating space for communities to talk about it earlier and help normalize it. LeConte adds the discussion is also becoming more inclusive
That shift is why the focus gender-neutral language and broader terms like period poverty, are being substituted to better reflect everyone’s experiences.
Throughout February, menstrual products can be donated at all Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Oxford County, including Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Woodstock, and Norwich. LeConte emphasized that everything remains local.
The campaign wraps up with a networking and awareness event on March 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Montana’s in Woodstock, Scotch and Ponder in Ingersoll, and Kelsey’s in Tillsonburg. LeConte says last year's Tillsonburg event was incredibly successful.
Admission is by donation. LeConte said the event is meant to be a fun and welcoming evening, inviting residents to bring friends, enjoy snacks, and learn how period poverty affects Oxford County and how initiatives like this are helping address the issue.
Last year’s campaign collected more than 1,400 boxes of menstrual products and supported 20 local organizations across Oxford County.
