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The Period Purse is Canada’s first and only registered charity dedicated to
menstrual equity. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario we provide free period
products through our community partners; while our advocacy and education
programs extend from coast to coast.
The Period Purse: Striving for Menstrual Equity
Mission
To create menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period
products for all and by ending the stigma associated with periods through
education and advocacy.
products for all and by ending the stigma associated with periods through
education and advocacy.
Vision
For menstruation to be understood and treated with dignity and for period products to be free for all.
Values
DIGNITY
We believe that menstruation should be understood and respected.
POSITIVITY
We are committed to taking positive action to end the discriminatory stigma associated with menstruation.
ACCESS
We believe that the availability of the full variety of period products to all people who menstruate is a
fundamental right.
fundamental right.
DEDICATION
As a collective and with our partners in the community, we are determined to pursue all ways of affecting positive change for all people who menstruate, for generations to come.
Our Story
A Dream of One Purse
In 2017 Jana Girdauskas, a teacher and mother of two, had a light bulb
moment after encountering a person experiencing homelessness. What
this individual would do during menstruation?
Curious, concerned and committed, Jana was compelled to fill one purse
with menstrual products and other wellness items. She planned to keep
the pack in her car for the next time she countered a person in need.
With everything to fill the purse at home, Jana was just missing the
physical bag. So, she asked a local Facebook group if anyone had a spare
“period purse” to share.
Within a month, Jana received 350 purses filled with donated products
and The Period Purse was born, sparking a menstrual movement across
Canada.
Today, The Period Purse is the first and only Canadian registered charity
dedicated to menstrual equity. Each month the organization supports
thousands of menstruators each month and provides education and
advocacy to break the stigma of menstruation.
Our Impact
