As of today, Menstrual Health Day, menstrual products, including tampons and pads, will now be available at no cost in all washrooms at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) campuses as a part of the College’s commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces on campus and removing barriers to learning that students and staff may face.

Products have previously been available through the Student’s Association and Health Centres on campus however this is an additional step that will ensure more equitable access to all students and staff on all campuses. Beginning this week the products will be available in all washrooms, so all students and staff have access to them regardless of gender.

“Access to menstrual products is a barrier that students and staff on campus will no longer have to face,” said Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer, RRC Polytech. “Menstrual products are as necessary as other washroom products. Reducing barriers and easing access for our community is another important step in supporting an inclusive campus.”

While this initiative is something RRC Polytech had already been working towards, the vision of students in the 2022 Public Relations Major of the Creative Communications program further inspired this initiative as part of a class project.

“Our all-female class immediately understood the impact of free menstrual products – it’s just another thing you have to think about on top of everything else a college student has to face and manage daily,” said student lead on the project and 2022 Creative Communications graduate, and Team Lead of Chamber Engagement at Johnston Group, Georgia Dalke.

“It is important that everyone, whether they menstruate or not, understands what it means for RRC Polytech to stand behind its students with a program like this. Menstruating is not something you should hide or be ashamed of – it’s is a normal bodily function and shouldn’t impede your ability to get an education.”

Robin Ringland, another student who worked on the project, then came to RRC Polytech for her work placement in 2022 where she continued to work on this initiative. She is now a full time Communications Officer for the School of Indigenous Education. Part of the information she gathered includes that menstruating students will get approximately eight periods in an eight-month school year. In a two-year program, students will experience 16 periods while at school or 32 periods in a four-year program.

For those who require menstrual products, it can be expensive and interruptive to their class time if products are not easy to access when they need them. A recent Leger report, shows that one in four Canadian women have had to choose between purchasing menstrual products or other essentials. The same report notes that “menstrual stigma and access barriers can hinder education, employment and mental health.”

“It is important that all staff and students feel comfortable on our campuses. Access to menstrual products will help give students the peace of mind that what they need will be available where and when they need it so they can focus on their courses and not have to miss important class time,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “We hope to improve access and ease the financial burden for menstruating staff and students by having the products available in all washrooms. Having menstrual products available and visible in all washrooms is the right thing to do to ensure an equitable experience for all.”

RRC Polytech is committed to upholding fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Menstrual health is an important part of life for many students and staff and can create a barrier that RRC Polytech aims to help alleviate.