Currently period products are not readily available in dispensing machines in Vancouver's school washrooms. Tampons and pads are available at our schools, but students must go and ask for them from a nurse, counselor, or at the office.
Meanwhile, soap, paper towels, and toilet paper are provided in every school washroom. The only difference between those hygiene products and period products is the gender factor.
By having different standards for period products, we are reinforcing, worse, teaching those who menstruate that their needs, their bodies, and their health are less important. The Green Party of Vancouver is working to eliminate this inequality for all those in our school system.
We are grateful to Selina Tribe who brought this to our attention and for her work on this issue around our province.