FAQ
What is period poverty and menstrual equity?
Period poverty refers to the inadequate access to menstrual products, education, or sanitation facilities that people need to manage their periods. It can have serious physical, psychological and social consequences, including missed school or work, infections from using unsafe makeshift products, and feelings of shame and stigma.
Menstrual equity aims to ensure that everyone has access to the products, education and facilities necessary to manage menstruation with dignity and comfort. We envision a world in which menstruation is no longer a barrier to professional and personal opportunities.
Who can benefit from Monthly Dignity’s workshops?
Monthly Dignity offers menstrual education workshops for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. These workshops aim to destigmatize menstruation and raise awareness about period poverty. Whether you menstruate or not, our sessions provide the tools to understand, support, and speak openly about periods.
Are your workshops only for women?
No, menstruation is not a women’s issue. We recognize that not all women menstruate and not all people who menstruate are women. Our workshops are open to people of all genders, whether they menstruate or not. Including non-menstruating participants such as boys and men helps foster empathy and normalize menstruation across society.
Why is it important to talk about menstruation?
Because silence fuels stigma.
When menstruation is treated as taboo, people feel shame and confusion about their own bodies. Talking openly about periods breaks that cycle. It builds knowledge, empathy, and confidence—laying the foundation for healthier, more informed individuals and more inclusive communities.
Can anyone get free products from you?
We partner with community-based organizations in the Greater Montreal area that serve people at risk of period poverty. If that’s you, fill out the partnership request form on our Access page and we’ll set up a meeting to better understand the populations you serve. Our capacity is limited, but we do our best to support the needs of the community.
What kind of menstrual products do you provide?
We tailor our deliveries to the needs of your community. We provide:
- Disposable pads (regular, long, night)
- Disposable tampons (light, regular, super, super plus)
- Reusable products like menstrual cups (sizes 0, 1, 2) and menstrual discs (with or without pull tabs)
Please note: We are unable to provide reusable menstrual underwear at this time due to sizing limitations.
Do you offer one-time donations?
While we may occasionally provide one-time donations, we mainly function on a partnership basis whereby partners receive regular donations of products, when needed.
How can I help fight period poverty in my community?
- Faire un don: Support us financially or by dropping off menstrual products at one of our donation points.
- Break the stigma: Talk openly about periods with your friends, family, and community.
- Advocate: Push for free period products in your school, workplace, or community. Local advocacy is one of the most powerful drivers of change!