Spokane Public Library has joined a national movement to stock freely accessible tampons and pads in restrooms at each new and renovated Library location. We have partnered with Aunt Flow, a woman-owned company, to provide 100% organic cotton tampons and pads in dispensers available to any individual that needs them.
In a brief published by UNICEF, “An estimated 1.8 billion girls, women, and gender non-binary persons menstruate, yet millions of menstruators across the world cannot manage their monthly cycle in a dignified, healthy way. The result is far-reaching negative impacts on the lives of those who menstruate: restricting mobility, freedom and choices; reducing participation in school, work and community life; compromising safety; and causing stress and anxiety.”
In her pioneering book from 2017: “Periods Gone Public,” Jennifer Weiss-Wolf explains, “In order to have a fully equitable and participatory society, we must have laws and policies that ensure menstrual products are safe and affordable and available for those who need them.”Earlier this year, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1273 outlining that menstrual hygiene products must be supplied in all gender-neutral and female school restrooms by the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year to aid this issue students are experiencing nation-wide.
“We believe providing free menstrual hygiene supplies will alleviate stress for individuals experiencing period poverty and a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products,” said Amanda Donovan, Director of Marketing and Communications. “This initiative supports our mission to increase equity and inclusivity in the region and eliminates a barrier that many individuals experience daily.”
