Welcome to the first edition of our partner spotlight blog!
Welcome to the first edition of our partner spotlight blog! This year, we are highlighting organizations across Canada who are involved in menstrual equity or gender justice work in various capacities. This is an opportunity to shed light on the incredible work being and to increase your capacity to engage in more advocacy work. Join us every month for a new blog post.
The Period Priority Project (PPP) is making waves in Newfoundland and Labrador by tackling menstrual health challenges and advocating for menstrual equity. Founded by Leisha Toory, Period Priority is the first woman-of-colour led initiative of its kind in the region, dedicated solely to advancing menstrual health challenges across Canada.
Founded on the right to choice and accessibility, PPP ensures that anyone who menstruates can access their preferred menstrual products without shame or financial barriers. With the aim of eradicating period poverty, PPP distributes free period products, advocates for policies to stock free period products in public spaces, and hosts educational presentations on period equity and health in schools.
Period Priority has taken their mission directly into schools, conducting presentations on period poverty and menstrual equity. Their digital resource bank, comprising presentations and menstrual health handbooks, serves as a valuable tool for spreading knowledge.
PPP has published papers on critical issues such as period poverty, period stigma, and policies for periods in both local and national publications. The initiative was notably nominated for the prestigious Human Rights Award in 2022, recognizing its significant contributions to menstrual equity.
Currently, they’re co-authoring a groundbreaking 'Period Priority Anthology' with Rhea Rollmann, welcoming submissions from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. This anthology aims to break the silence surrounding menstruation, elevating voices from the community to celebrate and raise awareness about menstruation. Submissions are invited from individuals of all backgrounds, genders, and identities with connections to Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly those whose experiences are often marginalized in discussions of menstruation.
PPP has distributed over 24,000 pads, tampons, liners, menstrual cups, and period underwear to those in need. The initiative has also conducted free reusable cloth pad sewing workshops for students, empowering them with practical skills. In addition, PPP has established free period product baskets in gender-inclusive washrooms across campuses in Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring that students have access to necessary supplies.
The Period Positivity Podcast, hosted by PPP on Spotify, features insightful episodes on a range of topics, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, navigating menstruation as a plus-size woman, and period poverty in Indigenous communities. These episodes aim to educate and raise awareness about menstrual health issues.
PPP has also conducted presentations on period poverty and menstrual equity in schools, providing valuable education to young people. The initiative has created a free digital resource bank, which includes presentations and menstrual health handbooks, to disseminate knowledge about menstrual health widely.
A significant milestone for PPP was advocating for the implementation of a policy mandating free access to period products within all city-owned public buildings in St. John's. Leisha Toory's formal correspondence to the City of St. John's was instrumental in this policy's approval, making it the first such implementation in the province.
