Evaluation and Impact | Menstrual Equity Report

As the pilot concluded, the Office of EDI-R conducted informational interviews with key-collaborators and partners, including members of the Steering Committee, event co-organizers, and others involved in the planning and execution of the project. Interviewees emphasized the project’s success in meeting a critical and previously unmet need. Providing free menstrual products across campus improved access, reduced financial strain, and helped reduce stigma associated with menstruation. The inclusion of sustainable product options was commended for offering choice and aligning with environmental values.

Interviewees also noted increased program visibility through educational events, social media engagement, and the emergence of related initiatives such as Menopause Cafés. The consistent use of products in campus washrooms was seen as a clear indicator of demand and ongoing relevance. Many highlighted a broader cultural shift, observing that the program helped normalize conversations around menstruation and wellness, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable campus environment. 

A campus-wide survey collected 180 responses from a diverse range of students, staff, and faculty members across various faculties and departments. Most responses came from Waterloo’s Main Campus, along with smaller representations from Kitchener, Stratford, Cambridge, and the Affiliated Colleges. A strong majority, 95% of respondents, indicated they were aware of the free menstrual products available across campus, with another 69% reporting they had personally accessed these products. This signals a high level of engagement with the initiative, with respondents actively utilizing the resources provided.

Other key findings from the survey include: 

• 98% agreed the initiative increased product availability and accessibility.
• 54% felt it enhanced understanding of menstrual equity.
• 48% believed it helped reduce stigma.
• 58% affirmed that the program emphasized that menstruation is not limited to one gender. 

In addition, respondents were asked to provide any additional feedback about the Pilot program. Their responses provided valuable insights into the personal impact of the program and further highlighted areas of success, and areas for improvement.

Financial data from the pilot program highlights both rising demand for menstrual products on campus and the associated increase in costs. Between the first and second years of implementation, annual costs rose from $6,111 to $14,309.64 — a 134% increase. Of this, only 6.5% is attributable to inflation, while 93.5% reflects increased product usage. This suggests that the primary driver of cost growth is higher uptake of the service, reinforcing its growing relevance and importance to the campus community.

Despite the increase, projected costs for 2024–25 remain well below the original annual budget estimate of $100,000.00. Early projections assumed consistent, high-frequency use across all campus locations and higher per-unit pricing. In practice, usage likely varies. While some washrooms, particularly those in high-traffic areas on main campus, are assumed to see regular use, others in satellite or lower-traffic buildings may experience lower demand. Additionally, the university was able to secure pricing below original estimates, contributing further to overall cost efficiency.

A proposed expansion to 200 washrooms, including additional facilities on satellite campuses, as well as in all-gender and men’s washrooms, would raise annual program costs to approximately $22,000, well-within the originally approved $100,000 framework. This presents an opportunity to grow the program in a thoughtful and measured way.