The other day, my friend told her boss she had a migraine so she could get the day off. In reality, she was menstruating.

She’s not the first person to need a day off because of period pain, nor is she the first to make up an excuse to get it. 

This highlights 3 very important topics: stigmatization, minimization, and normalization. 

1. The Stigmatization of Period Pain

Periods are still stigmatized, and many don’t feel comfortable telling their superiors the truth about why they need time off. 

Sure, it’s vulnerable information to share and no one’s business. But for something as common and natural as menstruation, we rarely call it what it is!

The shame surrounding periods needs to be challenged. 

2. The Minimization of Period Pain 

People lie about their ailments because they’re afraid they’ll need to come to work regardless. 

Period pain exists on a huge spectrum. Some menstruators never get cramps, while some experience debilitating cramps in their abdomen, lower back and legs. 

Sometimes, periods also cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and fainting. Severe periods like these are known as Dysmenorrhea. 

Imagine experiencing that and being told by a light-periods-only menstruator – or worse, by someone who doesn't menstruate at all – that ‘periods aren’t that bad,’ or that you should just take an ibuprofen and get on with your day. 

It’s never acceptable to downplay or invalidate someone else’s period pain – but it happens, often. 

3. The Normalization of Period Pain

Any period that prevents you from functioning in your daily life is not ‘normal.’

Severe period pain is estimated to affect more than 50% of people who menstruate, globally. Half of the menstruators in the world might read this and think ‘yeah, that’s normal.’

But is it? And does it have to be this way?  

Many don’t seek medical care for their severe period pain, and when they do, they’re often dismissed. Ideally, people with dysmenorrhea could access treatment without hesitation and their doctors would respond with compassion and action every time.

The Period Purse is excited to announce our partnership with the Michael Hill Foundation. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to end period poverty and support menstruators in need.

Michael Hill is a global jewellery brand known for beautiful, timeless, and high-quality jewelry. Their dedication to craftsmanship and quality is evident in every piece they create. With a focus on responsibility and authenticity, Michael Hill continues to deliver diverse collections that customers cherish. 

Through this partnership, a portion of Michael Hill's sales on their Stud Earrings with 6mm Button Cultured Freshwater Pearls in Sterling Silver and Diamond Serendipity Single Stone Necklace in Sterling Silver will go towards their "Empower Women" program. This program aims to support over 100,000  women and girls around the world by 2030. This initiative aligns perfectly with The Period Purse's mission to provide menstrual products and education to those in need. Together, we are working towards a world where no one has to face the challenges of period poverty.

On Friday, July 26th, the Michael Hill team joined The Period Purse at our storage unit in Etobicoke. The day began with a period-positive presentation by our Menstruation Nation team, educating the Michael Hill team on how they can become leaders in menstrual equity. Following the presentation, they assisted us in assembling over 700 period packs for menstruators in need. Each period pack contains pads, tampons, liners, and other essential items to support a menstruator throughout their entire period.

Period poverty is an issue that affects about 25% of all menstruators, leading to missed school days, work absenteeism, and health complications. The Period Purse strives to break this cycle by distributing free period products and advocating for menstrual health education across Canada. The support from the Michael Hill Foundation will enable us to reach more people and amplify our impact!

Thank you, Michael Hill Foundation, for your generosity and belief in our mission. Together, we are empowering menstruators and creating a brighter future for all.

In MTC’s groundbreaking report, nearly 3 out of 4 Indigenous respondents in remote communities reported: 

• “Sometimes” or “often” having issues accessing period products (74%) 

• Missing school, work, or another important activity at least once due to that lack of access (73%) 

The high rates of period poverty in Indigenous Nations are the direct result of colonialism. But what does that mean, and where do we go from here? In conversation with Moon Time Connections, let’s break it down: 

Q: As advocates for menstrual equity, how can we honour the voices and needs of Indigenous Nations? 

A: The biggest thing is that it can't be a one-way conversation. Efforts to support Indigenous menstruators often take a top-down approach that says ‘here's what we have and here's what we'll give you.’ 

We need a dialogue with Indigenous communities to inform how we support them. That's our strength at Moon Time Connections. We’ve always asked each Community what they want and need instead of deciding that ourselves, and sending only what is requested without question.

Q: How is colonialism responsible for the state of menstrual inequity in Indigenous Nations?

A: Colonialism took land away from Indigenous people and forced many Nations onto reserves or into settlements, many of which are in remote areas that were undesirable to settlers. Pads and tampons can cost three or four times what they normally would by virtue of where these communities are located in the country, which wasn’t their choice in the first place.

Clean water is another issue. We've been asked time and time again why we don’t only provide sustainable products in the interest of the environment. And the answer - first and foremost - is that it’s not our place to decide which products are best for anyone. 

Part of equity is having the dignity to choose how you manage your Moon Time.  Menstrual cups and discs are great, reusable options, but clean water is a luxury for a lot of remote Indigenous communities, with many still facing long-term drinking water advisories, albeit being a human right. 

Additionally, menstrual equity isn't just access to products. It's also access to education and understanding what menstruation is, how it affects you, and why it's important. 

Indigenous folks were robbed of their language, Oral Traditions, and culture by colonialism. This took away their traditional Moon Time Teachings and the holistic, natural way of perceiving Moon Time in some Indigenous Nations, and imposed the Eurocentric view of menstruation as a dirty, shameful thing. That stigma is a part of menstrual inequity too. At MTC, we’re working to re-Indigenize menstrual health and return cultural Moon Time lessons to Community with the support of Knowledge Holders via our Moon Time Facilitator training program. 

Q: I love the finding in MTC’s report that says: “48 percent of respondents in remote communities often or always feel feminine, capable, strong, empowered and connected to themselves and other menstruators during their Moon Time.” What do you make of that statistic? 

A: We love this response and thought it highly important to ask the question of how people felt about their Moon Time. It really highlights the connection to our Moon Time, and the feeling it brings to be gifted with this sacred honouring. 

Despite the ripple effects of colonialism, nearly half of our respondents still recognize their Moon Time as a powerful time, and that's beautiful. The more we can uplift the voices of Indigenous menstruators, help them reclaim their Moon Time, and support them in the way they need and want to be supported, we're only going to see that number go up.

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Every May, the world comes together to shed light on an issue that affects over half of the population: menstruation. Menstrual Health Day, celebrated annually on May 28th, serves as a global reminder of the significance of menstrual health and the need to eradicate the stigma surrounding it. This year, and every year, The Period Purse is on a mission to make menstrual equity a reality for all with our It's Your Period campaign.

But what exactly is menstrual equity? It's the assurance that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to menstrual products, education, and support. Sadly, many individuals face period poverty, a situation where they cannot afford the necessary products to manage their menstruation with dignity. It's an issue that affects not only individuals' physical health but also their education, employment, and overall well-being.

The great news is there are so many ways to support our campaign! You can donate to help us reach our $20,000 goal, participate in period presentations to learn more about menstrual equity, organize Mini Drives with your community, or sign up to join the menstruation movement .

On Menstrual Health Day itself, cities across Canada are encouraged to participate in various activities, from illuminating buildings in red, to raising period flags as a symbol of solidarity. Businesses and government bodies are also urged to take concrete steps, such as signing period proclamations, to demonstrate their commitment to ending period poverty and providing free menstrual products in washrooms. 

Let's come together this May and work towards a future where everyone can menstruate with dignity, informed choice, and without shame. Because, ultimately, it's not just about one day—it's about equality every day! Over half of the population menstruates, and deserve to menstruate with dignity, be informed, and have a choice - because It's Your Period . 

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Célébration de la Journée de la santé menstruelle avec notre campagne « Ce sont vos règles »

Chaque année, au mois de mai, le monde se réunit pour mettre en lumière un problème qui touche plus de la moitié de la population : la menstruation. La Journée de la santé menstruelle, célébrée chaque année le 28 mai, est un rappel mondial de l'importance de la santé menstruelle et de la nécessité d'éradiquer la stigmatisation qui l'entoure. Cette année, et chaque année, The Period Purse s'est donné pour mission de faire de l'équité menstruelle une réalité pour tous grâce à sa campagne Ce sont vos règles.

Mais qu'est-ce que l'équité menstruelle ? C'est l'assurance que tout le monde, quelle que soit sa situation financière, a accès aux produits menstruels, à l'éducation et au soutien. Malheureusement, de nombreuses personnes sont confrontées à la précarité menstruelle, une situation où elles n'ont pas les moyens d'acheter les produits nécessaires pour gérer leur menstruation avec dignité. Ce problème affecte non seulement la santé physique des personnes, mais aussi leur éducation, leur emploi et leur bien-être général.

La bonne nouvelle, c'est qu'il y a de nombreuses façons de soutenir notre campagne ! Vous pouvez faire un don pour nous aider à atteindre notre objectif de 20 000 $, participer à des  présentations sur les règles pour en apprendre davantage sur l'équité menstruelle, organiser des Mini-drives avec votre communauté ou vous inscrire pour rejoindre le mouvement menstruel.

Lors de la Journée de la santé menstruelle, les villes du Canada sont encouragées à participer à diverses activités, qu'il s'agisse d'illuminer les bâtiments en rouge ou de hisser des drapeaux de menstruation en signe de solidarité. Les entreprises et les organismes gouvernementaux sont également invités à prendre des mesures concrètes, telles que la signature de proclamations sur les règles, afin de démontrer leur engagement à mettre fin à la précarité menstruelle et à fournir gratuitement des produits menstruels dans les toilettes. 

Rassemblons-nous en ce mois de mai et travaillons à un avenir où tout le monde pourra avoir ses règles dans la dignité, en toute connaissance de cause et sans honte. Car, en fin de compte, il ne s'agit pas seulement d'une journée, mais d'une égalité de tous les jours ! Plus de la moitié de la population a ses règles et mérite d'avoir ses règles dans la dignité, d'être informée et d'avoir le choix - parce que Ce sont vos règles.

It’s no secret that mainstream period care is unsustainable. Plastic menstrual products generate more than 200,000 tons of waste per year, and can take as long as 500 years to decompose. 

Pads and tampons as we know them have existed for 100 years. That means every non-biodegradable period product that’s ever been used is still on this planet, taking up space in landfills or littering our waterways and ecosystems. 

Mainstream products are often made with toxic chemicals like bleach, dioxins and fragrance ingredients, which are also harmful to our bodies, the soi,l and water that absorb them when they’re thrown out. 

Luckily, there are other options. Joni and Aisle, for example, are known for their comfortable and planet-friendly period care. From organic, compostable pads and tampons, to reusable products like menstrual cups and discs, period underwear, and cloth pads- sustainable period care makes a huge difference. 

Holding space for conversations about accessibility is just as important as sustainable period care itself. We can’t preach its importance without acknowledging that having access to it is a privilege. Not everyone has:

• Clean water to wash their reusable products

• Money to invest in these products, which has a higher upfront cost 

• The option to buy sustainable products where they live

• Access to education about what these products are, and how to use them

It’s great to educate menstruators about the benefits of sustainable period care — it’s one of our favorite education sessions at The Period Purse. That said, we should never pressure or shame anyone for how they choose to manage their periods.

Switching to sustainable period care is an impactful way to show we care about the planet. But let’s not let our drive for sustainability conflict with our commitments to accessibility and inclusivity. It's possible to have both, and essential in the fight for menstrual equity!