Women and individuals who menstruate in Canada can face barriers in accessing menstrual products, hygiene facilities and education regarding menstrual health. They experience what is called menstrual poverty. Some of the factors influencing menstrual poverty levels include:

• financial limitations;
• location;
• lack of education about menstrual health;
• lack of access to clean water; and
• lack of access to clean and safe spaces to manage menstruation.

Menstrual poverty can have negative consequences for individuals who are affected, such as having to miss school or work because of a lack of menstrual products.

Menstrual equity refers to equal and comprehensive access to menstrual products and to menstrual health education. Achieving menstrual equity in Canada requires implementing a multitude of initiatives rather than relying on a “one-size-fits-all” solution, as women and individuals who menstruate are diverse and have different needs. Initiatives to achieve menstrual equity can include:

• facilitating access to different types of menstrual products (both disposable and reusable) in a variety of settings, including in the workplace;
• educating Canadians on menstrual health;
• supporting women-led small- and medium-sized businesses and other groups that seek to provide increased access to menstrual products; and
• investing in menstrual health research.

To help achieve menstrual equity in Canada, the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women, based on witness testimony, put forward 11 recommendations directed to the Government of Canada.