Learn more about how this organization is improving access to menstrual products!
If you’ve been following our spotlight blog, we’ve been highlighting organizations across Canada involved in menstrual equity or gender justice work in various capacities. So far, we’ve highlighted four incredible groups in this space. Make sure you catch up on our previous spotlights and stay tuned on our social media for new posts. This month, we’re spotlighting Period Pin.
Period Pin is a free online map that helps menstruators find free period products when they need them most. Launched in 2023 by co-founders Karen and Patrick during their Master’s studies at the University of Waterloo, the platform was supported by the GreenHouse social impact incubator. Period Pin fills a crucial gap by connecting organizations that offer free period products with menstruators who may be facing period poverty or navigating period stigma. With partners ranging from local governments and libraries to community-based organizations and private businesses, Period Pin ensures that menstruators across Canada can access essential products in trusted spaces.
Since its inception, Period Pin has worked with its partners to gather essential details about each location on the map, such as addresses, where the products can be accessed, and hours of operation. Although Period Pin doesn’t provide menstrual products directly, the organization is committed to building partnerships and resources to support locations offering free period products.
Period Pin’s mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity, safety, and community empowerment. These values guide every aspect of their operations. One key example is their decision to create a web-based map instead of an app, to protect user privacy and ensure no personal information is collected. This commitment allows menstruators to access the resources they need without any barriers. Period Pin’s partnerships with a diverse array of organizations—from universities and libraries to shelters and food banks—ensure free menstrual products are accessible to a wide range of people in both public and private spaces.
Period Pin is focusing on strengthening its partnerships with schools across Canada to ensure students can easily find free period products. This initiative is particularly important as a 2023 Plan International Canada survey revealed that 34% of Canadians under 25 struggle to afford menstrual products. So far, 27 post-secondary institutions are listed on the map, and Period Pin is actively working to include more universities, colleges, and school boards.
Beyond this, Period Pin’s impact is growing with over 1,900 locations mapped across all provinces and two territories by August 2024. The organization has also received community support, including an $8,000 grant from the Region of Waterloo’s 2023 Upstream Fund to map free period product locations in the Waterloo Region.
Period Pin continuously tracks the growth of its map and measures community engagement through partnerships and location submissions. The more locations they add, the easier it becomes for menstruators to find the support they need. As of August 2024, Period Pin’s map features over 1,900 pins, with organizations across Canada recognizing the value of providing free period products. Period Pin is also helping locations access resources to ensure they can continue offering these crucial supplies to menstruators.
One of Period Pin’s most significant achievements was the successful launch of the map at a Menstrual Health Day 2023 event in Kitchener, Ontario, alongside other menstrual equity groups. The platform has also received positive feedback from organizations eager to be featured, and many are actively seeking resources to increase their availability of free products. The map’s growth across the country demonstrates the strong demand for such a resource.
Period Pin’s community-driven model ensures that the voices of menstruators and their advocates are at the forefront of their efforts. Their partnerships with grassroots organizations, local governments, and private businesses create a powerful network that supports menstrual equity. In June 2024, Period Pin, alongside seven other organizations (including Free Periods Canada!), sent an open letter to the Solicitor General of Ontario calling for improved menstrual product access and sanitary facilities for menstruators at Kenora Jail. This advocacy effort highlights Period Pin’s commitment to addressing menstrual inequities at all levels of society.
Here are a few ways to get involved with Period Pin:
