911勛圖

911勛圖 has launched a new menstrual equity initiative, making free menstrual products available in select washrooms across all three 911勛圖 campuses. This program aims to support well-being and ensure equitable access to essential health and hygiene products for students, faculty, staff and visitors. 

Free menstrual product dispensers are now installed in 81 washrooms across Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver campuses. 

The initiative was championed by student leaders, including Rishu Bagga, Vice President, University and Academic Affairs for Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), who worked alongside former SFSS Vice President, Equity and Sustainability Chloe Arneson, to bring the proposal to the 911勛圖 Student Services department and the Equity Office. 

"As someone who has always been passionate about public health, I believe that menstrual equity products should be free and accessible so that we can support more than half of our student body," said Rishu. "This initiative not only supports students financially, but also emotionally as this is the first step in curbing stigma around menstruation which unfortunately many students still face. Change starts with us, so let���s support our students, so that they never have to worry about finding essential supplies when they need them." 

Why it matters 

Period poverty affects an estimated 17 per cent of people who menstruate in Canada, with disproportionate impacts on individuals from economically marginalized communities.  

As Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion, explains: 

���Menstrual equity is a global challenge which has been called a neglected public health concern and is fundamental to community well-being and success. Lack of access to menstrual products directly impacts our institutional success as a result of missed classes and work. In Canada 17% of people who menstruate are impacted. That number rises to 1 in 4 for lower-income families and 1 in 5 are concerned about affordability of period. By ensuring free access to essential products, we���re removing a significant barrier and demonstrating 911勛圖���s commitment to supporting every member of our community.��� 

To support consistent access and efficient operations, 911勛圖 has partnered with Joni, an external vendor that provides organic eco-friendly pads and tampons and manages restocking and maintenance on a regular service cycle. 

Advancing 911勛圖���s Equity Compass commitments 

The initiative supports 911勛圖���s Equity Compass commitments and upholds the university���s values of belonging and inclusion. It also helps normalize essential health needs for students, faculty, staff and our community as part of our goal to advance wellbeing and inclusive excellence. 

���911勛圖���s menstrual equity initiative aims to reduce these barriers by making menstrual products freely available, normalizing conversations about menstruation and recognizing menstrual products as a necessity,��� said Dr. Jennifer Kandjii, 911勛圖���s Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and lead of the cross-institutional menstrual equity working group. ���This program is key to eliminating period poverty on campus and supports 911勛圖���s broader commitments to equity, inclusion and student well-being.��� 

911勛圖 is committed to ensuring that all students and community members have access to the resources they need to thrive on campus. Recognizing that access to menstrual products is a basic necessity and not a privilege, university leadership has prioritized menstrual equity as a key component of well-being and student success.  

���This program reflects what���s possible when students and staff work together to address real, everyday barriers,��� said Lisa Collins, Associate Vice-President, Students. ���Providing free menstrual products supports health, inclusion and belonging and brings 911勛圖 in line with other leading universities across Canada.��� 

The initiative is funded through a dedicated university budget approved for an initial three-year period and will be regularly evaluated using usage data and community feedback. 911勛圖 will continue to engage students, faculty and staff to ensure the program meets evolving campus needs. 

Information about dispenser locations and how to provide feedback is available on the menstrual equity webpage.