Menstrual Equity

A Period that Moves: A Conversation about Movement, Sport, and the Menstrual Cycle

Valerie Vaz — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 18:09:48 +0000

A Period that Moves: A Conversation about Movement, Sport, and the Menstrual Cycle Valerie Vaz Wed, 09/10/2025 - 14:09

Part of the Menstrual Equity Lunch and Learn Series.

In this online presentation, Melissa Zettel (she/her) will encourage and promote conversation around sport and periods. Athletes who menstruate have always been present, but the conversation around periods has not. She will talk about the myths attached to performance and menstruation, current literature around sport and menstruation, performance and the different phases of the menstrual cycle, potential issues athletes may encounter around menstruation, and how to have supportive conversations with athletes about their cycles.

About your host: Melissa works as the Embedded Counsellor within Athletics and Recreation and works mainly with varsity-level athletes. She has been with Campus Wellness since 2018. She has a special interest in athlete mental health and recently completed a diploma program in mental health and elite sport. On campus, Melissa supports fitness classes and uses mindfulness to promote connecting to our thoughts in a more supportive and meaningful way while we move. Personally, she enjoys and brings movement into her everyday life and loves participating in fitness classes and training for races.

Current undergraduate students may be interested in the Menstrual Health & Equity Support Group as well.

Register today!

Lunch and Learn: Menstruation and Mental Health

Valerie Vaz — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:20:40 +0000

Lunch and Learn: Menstruation and Mental Health Valerie Vaz Wed, 06/25/2025 - 13:20

A part of the Menstrual Equity Lunch and Learn Series

Back by popular demand! Discover the connection between menstruation and mental health with hosts Rebeca Alvarez and Thara Thakidiyil from Counselling Services. We will delve into the impact of gender, disability, and socio-economic status on one’s menstrual experience and the effect it can have on mental health. You will be introduced to eye-opening insights on this important aspect of menstrual equity, and there will be time for a Q&A.

$50 Period Aisle Giftcard

Participants who attend the session will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win one of twenty $50 Period Aisle gift cards.

Register today!

Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis: Taking Charge of Your Reproductive Health

Pamela Braza Pitman — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:30:45 +0000

Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis: Taking Charge of Your Reproductive Health Pamela Braza Pitman Fri, 03/07/2025 - 18:30

Mindfulness for Menstrual Health

Janessa Good — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:50:28 +0000

Mindfulness for Menstrual Health Janessa Good Tue, 02/04/2025 - 09:50

Lunch and Learn: Cycles, Cramps, and Cravings… Oh My! Nutrition for Menstrual Wellness

Janessa Good — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:54:51 +0000

Lunch and Learn: Cycles, Cramps, and Cravings… Oh My! Nutrition for Menstrual Wellness Janessa Good Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:54

A part of the Menstrual Equity Lunch and Learn Series

In this online presentation, Courtney Wilson, MScFN RD (she/her) will dive into all things nutrition, menstruation, and hormones. We will look at how the phases of the menstrual cycle can impact physical symptoms, intake patterns, and nutrient needs and chat about strategies to support these needs. There will be time for a Q&A to ensure all your burning questions are answered.

About your host

Courtney is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and has been practicing clinically since 2015. She currently works as the RD on the Campus Wellness team, meeting with students in individual and group-based settings to provide supportive, inclusive, and evidence-based nutrition care. On the clinical side of things, Courtney is passionate about digging into food relationships and food-related experiences, as well as supporting those who may struggle with these elements of life. Personally, Courtney is an avid home cook, loves to golf, and is (just slightly) obsessed with her four-year-old Bernedoodle, Ellis.

Register today

Reusable product distribution drop

Janessa Good — Wed, 22 May 2024 18:33:26 +0000

Reusable product distribution drop Janessa Good Wed, 05/22/2024 - 14:33

As part of the Menstrual Equity project at UWaterloo, we will be providing free reusable and sustainable menstrual products to students, faculty and staff on June 21 from 10am – 3pm. Register today to pickup your kit in the EDI-R office of Period Aisle brand reusable menstrual cups, pads, and underwear.

Register to receive your reusable product kit

About Menstrual Equity at Waterloo

Many students, faculty and staff on our campus menstruate, making access to safe menstrual products and trusted resources crucial to be able to study, work and fully participate in campus life.

The Menstrual Equity project at UWaterloo is a collaboration between the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office (EDIR-O) and Plant Operations, and has been made possible by the sustained advocacy and work of the  Women’s Centre. The project uses a multifaceted approach to enhance the accessibility of resources and support to all people who menstruate.

Inclusive Menstruation: Understanding Trans Experiences

Janessa Good — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:38:53 +0000

Inclusive Menstruation: Understanding Trans Experiences Janessa Good Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:38

A part of the Menstrual Equity Lunch and Learn series

Join transgender therapist and educator, Washington Silk (they/them), as they talk about menstruation and trans folks! In this special Pride Month edition of our Menstrual Equity Lunch and Learn series we’ll learn more about the complex relationship between menstruation and trans bodies.

“As a feisty teenager I would talk about menstruation any chance I got. I had many feelings about this very important topic that deeply affected my life, basically not existing in the public or family forum.”

Register for the lunch and learn session

Reusable product distribution drop

About the Menstrual Equity project at Waterloo

The Menstrual Equity project at UWaterloo is a collaboration between the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office (EDIR-O) and Plant Operations, and has been made possible by the sustained advocacy and work of the  Women’s Centre. The project uses a multifaceted approach to enhance the accessibility of resources and support to all people who menstruate.

The Fifth Phase: Taking a Closer Look at Menopause

Janessa Good — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:45:16 +0000

The Fifth Phase: Taking a Closer Look at Menopause Janessa Good Thu, 03/07/2024 - 15:45

A part of the Menstrual Equity Lunch and Learn Series

Let’s talk about perimenopause and menopause!

During this online session, we will discuss the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, as well as share important insights and resources to help you thrive during this phase of life.

Register for The Fifth Phase: Taking a Closer Look at Menopause

About Menstrual Equity at Waterloo

The Menstrual Equity project at Waterloo is a collaboration between the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Office and Plant Operations and has been made possible by the sustained advocacy and work of the Women's Centre. The project uses a multifaceted approach to enhance the accessibility of resources and support to all people who menstruate.

Moontime Teachings and Distribution Drop

Janessa Good — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:17:24 +0000

Moontime Teachings and Distribution Drop Janessa Good Thu, 03/07/2024 - 14:17

The Office of Indigenous Relations and the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism Office presents a Menstrual Equity event where registered participants will receive sustainable menstrual products, refreshments, and moontime teachings from Trista Hill Indigenous Midwife with Southern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC). This event is being held in partnership with the Sustainability Action Fund (SAF) and Period Aisle.

About our partners

The Sustainability Action Fund (SAF) supports projects and initiatives that improve sustainability at the University of Waterloo. Project funds are distributed based on a call for applications, with successful applications determined by the President's Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES).

Period Aisle is an independent women-owned period product company on a mission to abolish period poverty and promote menstrual equity with safe, effective, and sustainable period care students.

About Menstrual Equity at Waterloo

Reeling over menstrual inequity: An interactive film screening of 'Carrie'

Janessa Good — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:59:12 +0000

Reeling over menstrual inequity: An interactive film screening of 'Carrie' Janessa Good Thu, 10/05/2023 - 12:59

Reeling over menstrual inequity: An interactive film screening of 'Carrie'

Be part of an empowering evening with Changing the Flow and the Women's Centre as we reclaim the narrative and challenge societal taboos. Join us as we Reel over Menstrual Inequity through an interactive screening of "Carrie" on January 18 at Princess Twin in Waterloo.

Get ready to immerse yourself in Carrie's world! It's an experience you don't want to miss!

About Menstrual Equity at the University of Waterloo:

Waterloo’s Menstrual Equity pilot project aims to provide increased access to menstrual products in select washrooms across campus. This pilot is a collaboration between the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism Office and Plant Operations, and has been made possible by the sustained advocacy and work of the Women’s Centre.

Many students, faculty and staff on our campus menstruate. Menstrual equity seeks to provide access to the resources and support that people who menstruate need to manage their periods with dignity and without stigma. This includes access to safe menstrual products, as well as education and resources on menstrual health.

About Changing the Flow:

Just Like Toilet Paper, we believe every washroom should provide period products. Changing The Flow is dedicated to the achievement of menstrual equity and the elimination of stigma surrounding periods. We do this through awareness, education, and implementation.

Doors open at 6:00pm with the film beginning at 7:00pm