1 in 4 Canadian women forced to choose between buying meals and period products, survey finds
CTV
A new survey has found that one in four menstruating women in Canada have had to choose between paying for period products or other essentials such as food or rent.
A new survey has found that one in four menstruating women in Canada have had to choose between paying for period products or other essentials such as food or rent.
The study, conducted by Plan International Canada, collected data from 1,000 women over the age of 18 in Canada, and the results shed light on access barriers in Canada, the prevalence of stigma surrounding periods, and the negative impacts as a result.
Of the women surveyed, 82 per cent said they believe that period products, such as tampons and sanitary pads, are too expensive. This figure was higher among younger women, as 88 per cent of those between ages 18 to 24 said the same thing
Aside from the cost, the survey also revealed that women feel that a stigma around periods remains, at times making it difficult to discuss menstruation in the workplace.
In fact, 20 per cent of women reported feeling judged or as though they were treated unfairly at work or in their relationships due to their period.
This stigma can be particularly detrimental to young women. Of the respondents, 78 per cent women between 18 to 24 said they’ve had to hide their period while at school or at work, and 51 per cent have even felt they have to hide it in their homes.
Many women also face monthly premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as a result of their menstrual cycle, which looks different for everyone and can include mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.
