Free menstrual products will be available in both the women’s and men’s washrooms at all 12 Greater Victoria Public Library branches by next week.
Dispensers for pads and tampons will be in the women’s, men’s, gender-neutral and accessible washrooms.
“We are pleased to provide free menstrual products to library users in a manner that protects privacy, respects all gender identities and expressions and helps reduce inequities,” said Maureen Sawa, CEO of the Greater Victoria Public Library. “This initiative supports our ongoing work to create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, safe, accessible, and support the health and well-being of our community.”
This month, the library signed the United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s Period Promise Policy agreement, an initiative that addresses the fact that the high cost of menstrual products can reduce access, which can be a barrier to attendance in schools, participation in sports, and other community activities.
The agreement commits organizations to providing a range of free menstrual products to employees, clients and the community at large.
“We are inspired by GVPL’s decision to support this initiative, which says so much about how libraries are safe and inclusive spaces,” said Erika Stenson, executive director of United Way Southern Vancouver Island.
“Libraries are also places where learning happens all the time, and we hope that GVPL’s actions spark a wider conversation in the community about period poverty — including how we can tackle the vulnerability and isolation it causes.”
Further details and a list of branch locations can be found at gvpl.ca.
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