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In recent years, the conversation surrounding menstrual health has evolved, with a growing recognition of the importance of providing free menstrual products in public spaces, schools, and workplaces. Offering free period products is a crucial step in supporting menstrual equity and ensuring that all individuals can manage their periods with dignity. Yet, despite the increasing momentum, common concerns such as theft, misuse and cost often prevent organisations from embracing this initiative.
By addressing these myths head-on, we can shed light on the realities and demonstrate why the benefits of providing free period products far outweigh the perceived drawbacks.
Myth 1: Providing Free Menstrual Products Will Lead to Theft
A frequent concern raised by organisations when considering the provision of free menstrual products is the fear of theft or misuse. Many worry that people may take more products than they need or abuse the system. While these concerns are understandable, the reality is that most individuals are responsible when it comes to using necessary products, especially when they are made easily accessible.
When essential products are provided for free, individuals are more likely to only take what they need, as these items are seen as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Controlled dispensing mechanisms can ensure that products are distributed fairly, reducing the risk of overconsumption. By offering a simple yet effective way to manage period products, organisations can ensure both accessibility and accountability.
Moreover, providing free menstrual products shows a commitment to supporting the well-being of employees or visitors. It helps create a respectful and inclusive environment where people’s health needs are met without hesitation or stigma.
Myth 2: The Cost Is Too High for Organisations
Another common objection is the perceived high cost of providing free period products. While there is indeed an initial investment required, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. In education, government funding is specifically set aside to support schemes that provide free products in schools and colleges, making them easier to implement and sustain. Access to these essentials helps reduce absenteeism, improve focus, and enhance student wellbeing—outcomes that more than justify the initial outlay.
Did you know, in a survey of more than 2,000 women by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), more than half said they had had to miss work because of their period? When employees or students have access to free period products, they are less likely to miss work or school due to menstruation. Providing these items removes the financial barrier that some face, especially those who struggle to afford period products, helping them stay focused and engaged. The ability to manage one’s period without stress or worry contributes to a healthier, happier, and more productive environment.
For businesses, offering free period products can improve retention and morale. Employees are more likely to stay with organisations that show care for their health and well-being.
Myth 3: Free Menstrual Products Aren’t a Priority
Some organisations may still view the provision of free menstrual products as a secondary issue, one that doesn’t warrant significant attention or resources. However, access to period products is not a luxury—it’s a basic necessity, as essential as soap or toilet paper. Ignoring the need for free period products is a missed opportunity to promote equity and inclusion in the workplace or school environment.
Period poverty affects many individuals, particularly in underserved or low-income communities, where the recurring cost of period products can take up a noticeable share of already limited budgets. For those managing tight finances, these essential items can become an added strain. By providing free menstrual products, organisations help to ease this financial pressure and ensure that menstruation never becomes a reason for someone to miss work or school.
In addition, normalising access to period products helps to reduce the stigma and shame that many individuals feel about menstruation. It fosters a more open and inclusive culture where people’s health needs are recognised and addressed.
The Real Benefits of Offering Free Menstrual Products
When organisations look beyond the myths and focus on the real-world benefits, it becomes clear that offering free menstrual products is a smart, socially responsible, and inclusive choice. Here’s how it can benefit your organisation:
1. Improved Health and Hygiene
Free menstrual products help ensure that employees or students have access to period products when they need them most, promoting better hygiene and reducing the risk of infections or discomfort.
2. Increased Productivity and Attendance
When employees or students are not worried about accessing period products, they can focus on their work or studies. This can lead to fewer absences, higher engagement, and improved productivity.
3. Greater Employee or Student Satisfaction
Providing free-to-use period products demonstrates a commitment to caring for the well-being of your people. Organisations and educational establishments providing free products also show their dedication to raising awareness and supporting people who are affected by period poverty.
4. Support for Gender Equality
Offering free period products across public settings is an important step in ensuring that menstruation is no longer a barrier to full participation in work, education, or social life. By offering a period product scheme, you are promoting gender equity and ensuring that everyone can participate.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility
Organisations that provide free period products demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility, positioning themselves as leaders in fostering inclusive and supportive environments. Many organisations, community partners, and businesses can partner with charities or community groups to ensure these products are delivered efficiently to those who need them the most. Free period products are a key element of supporting people in schools, and other settings.
While the advantages are clear, the next step is choosing the right solution to provide access to these essential period products. Implementing a period product scheme requires thoughtful planning and the right products to ensure they are provided efficiently, hygienically, and in a way that fits seamlessly into your organisation's space and budget. Monitoring and research can help track the impact of the scheme.
The Path to Creating a More Inclusive Environment
The myths surrounding the provision of free menstrual products, whether concerns about theft, cost, or waste, are easily dispelled when we consider the real benefits. Offering these products contributes to better health, increased productivity, and a more inclusive environment. It shows that your organisation cares about its people and is committed to creating a space where everyone’s needs are respected and met.
How Dudley Industries Can Help
We understand the importance of providing access to period products and ensuring that people can access what they need to manage their period without barriers. That’s why we’ve designed Free Vend Dispensers to help organisations deliver period products efficiently, hygienically, and responsibly. Our dispensers are compatible with a wide variety of hygiene products and are dispensed one at a time to minimise wastage and theft.
With our Free Vend Dispensers, you can be confident that your students, employees, or community partners will have access to the menstrual products they need, whenever they need them.
For more information on Free Menstrual Products: Benefits and Myths Debunked talk to Dudley Industries Ltd