A new menstrual health equity society is forming on the Saint John campus.
The menstrual equity society was established after a community analysis written by Ridhima Dixit was published. A survey of UNB Saint John students was conducted in October of 2022 to evaluate the state of menstrual equity on campus. Ridhima Dixit’s report revealed that the state of menstrual equity on campus is not as good as it could be and improvements could be made to aid anyone on campus affected by period poverty. Following the survey, the SRC passed a menstrual equity policy in October of 2022. The Baron was able to have a conversation with the co-chairs, Sarah Mahmood and Ridhima Dixit, of the Menstrual Equity Society to learn more about their goals and initiatives.
Q: Could you tell us about the MHS? What are the goals of the MHS?
A: The MHS stands on the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Gender Equality and Sustainable Communities. A community implies a sense of belonging and accessibility and that is exactly what the goal of the MHS is. We’re working towards destigmatizing menstruation, providing menstrual literacy, and addressing existing gaps in understanding period poverty.
Q: Could you tell us about the Menstrual Equity Campaign?
A: The campaign began in 2022, it started with a survey conducted by Ridhima. The survey led to a variety of revelations regarding the state of menstrual equity and triggered the creation of a menstrual equity policy passed by the SRC in October 2022. The campaign hopes to focus on de-stigmatizing menstruation and address existing gaps in understanding menstruation through menstrual literacy programs on campus and beyond! Additionally, we are in the process of conducting a sustainable menstrual project initiative where we are working to get free Diva Cups to students to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene products!
Q: What kind of initiatives or events can students anticipate?
A: We hope to continue working towards accessibility issues as the semester unfolds. Keep an eye out on the SRC’s socials!
Q: How can students get involved with the society?
A: We urge students to keep an eye out for an email with a link for potential volunteers to sign up! In the meantime, please feel free to email us at mhsunbsj@gmail.com or contact Ridhima Dixit at rdixit1@unb.ca or Sarah Mahmood, the co-chair at sarah.mahmood@unb.ca to get more information and stay up to date with the society and ways to get involved!
