Period Dignity
Initiative
17.07.24
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DONEGAL County Council has announced the extension of its Period Dignity
Initiative in collaboration with the Donegal Family
Resource Centre Network. The programme aims to help end
period poverty through access to free menstrual
products, as well as hygienic spaces to use them and
safe waste management in accessible public buildings. |
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Pictured L-R: Patsy
Lafferty, Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural
Services; Margaret Fitzgerald, Healthy Ireland
Coordinator; John G McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal
County Council and Liam Ward, Director of Community
Development and Planning Services. |
Period poverty refers to
the inability to afford and access menstrual products,
sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and
awareness to manage menstrual health. Access to these
products may be because of cost, or for social or
cultural reasons.
In launching the initiative, Donegal County Council
Chief Executive, Mr. John G. McLaughlin said: “As a
progressive and equality conscious local authority,
Donegal County Council recognises the importance of this
initiative in acknowledging the seriousness of period
poverty.”
Margaret Fitzgerald, Healthy Ireland Coordinator
welcomed the initiative and said: “Many of us are in the
privileged position of being able to afford menstrual
products and may find it hard to imagine not having this
basic human need met but the Healthy Ireland Survey 2022
reported 24% of women surveyed have experienced at least
one indicator of period poverty, with 14% aged over 25
reported having to improvise with materials not intended
for use during their period”.
The range of period products available in Donegal County
Council’s headquarters and public service centres are
organic and eco-friendly, made with 100% certified
organic cotton, with fully recyclable tampon applicators
and compostable packaging. Menstrual underwear and
menstrual cups along with single use tampons and
sanitary pads/towels are also available through the
Family Resource Centres.
In Inishowen, provision of free products from ‘no cost’
dispensers will be available at Carndonagh Public
Service Centre and Moville Family Resource Centre.
For further information contact Margaret Fitzgerald,
Healthy Donegal Coordinator on 074 91 53900 or email
mfitzgerald@donegalcoco.ie .
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