Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by many members of our university community, including students, staff, and faculty. Yet, for far too long, access to safe, reliable, and affordable menstrual products has been inequitable, often leading to barriers to full participation in academic and campus life. The University of Waterloo’s Menstrual Equity Pilot Program was developed in recognition of this gap, and as part of a broader commitment to health equity, dignity, and inclusion.
Launched through a collaboration between the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R) and Plant Operations1, and supported by the long-standing advocacy of the Women's Centre2, the Menstrual Equity initiative sought to make free menstrual products available across campus, for anyone who needs them. This includes equipping 129 gendered and all-gender washrooms with free menstrual products, alongside educational opportunities designed to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
Crucially, this project acknowledges that menstruation is not exclusive to women. While many women menstruate, not all who menstruate identify as women. Trans men, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and Two-Spirit individuals often face unique challenges in accessing menstrual care, challenges that are further compounded by intersecting systems of marginalization including race, class, and disability. By centering menstrual equity, this initiative not only provides essential resources but also aims to foster a campus culture rooted in care, visibility, and respect for diverse lived experiences.
Menstrual equity is an important facet of gender equity work and is about more than just product access. It is about affirming that no one should be penalized, stigmatized, or excluded because of a natural bodily function, and about ensuring that financial barriers, social stigma, and structural exclusion do not interfere with a person’s ability to thrive at Waterloo.
[1] https://uwaterloo.ca/plant-operations/menstrual-equity
[2] https://wusa.ca/services/student-run-services/womens-centre/
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We are grateful to the numerous advocates and groups who have contributed to this important project, including, but not exhaustively, Athletics, Campus Wellness, Changing the Flow, the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Faculty of Math, the Graduate Student Association (GSA), Office of Advancement, Office of Indigenous Relations, Period Aisle, Period Pin, Plant Operations, the Student Success Office, Sustainability, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), and the Women’s Centre.
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