Have you ever wondered where the female hygiene products dispenser came to be at Fallon? Or how it’s restocked? Last April, the Feminist Student Union achieved a milestone by championing the introduction of menstrual product dispensers at our school, enforced by California law AB367. This law stated that pads and tampons should be available in all girls bathrooms, all gender-neutral bathrooms, and at least one boys restroom. While this marked a commendable stride toward menstrual equity, the current lack of an organized restocking system has resulted in students facing a crucial disparity: being deprived of fundamental female hygiene necessities. This not only poses challenges to their focus, comfort, and health, but also is not in compliance with the law. Moreover, there is an ongoing need to tackle the persistent issue of period stigma, emphasizing the need to educate students of all genders in 6-12 schools about menstrual health.
The lack of a reliable restocking system for the dispensers has resulted in frequent shortages affecting students and creating equity gaps. A survey conducted at Fallon with over 70 responses highlighted significant issues:
- Unavailability: Over 55% of students said they frequently faced empty dispensers and have been in a situation where they needed a pad and did not receive one. In another question, 60% said they have not gone through a situation like that but have seen a friend need a product and not get it.
- Impact on academics: Many students reported a loss of focus in class due to the unavailability of menstrual products, emphasizing how this issue disproportionately affects the educational experience of female students.
- Discomfort and health issues: Due to product unavailability, a large percentage of students experienced discomfort and missed class time.
- Stigma: Almost 68% of students said they want to remain anonymous. This is likely because of the stigma and embarrassment associated with menstruation, along with the fact that male students are not educated about periods.
When a Fallon student who requested to stay anonymous was asked how she felt when she didn’t find a needed period care product in the bathroom, she said, “I felt sad because I could have possibly bled through and gotten on my pants, which would be really embarrassing.” She also stated that it took over 30 minutes of searching in bathrooms and with friends to receive a product.
Furthermore, Ms. Maria, the school’s custodian who is in charge of restocking these dispensers, says, “I stock the dispensers two times a week – Mondays for sure and Wednesday usually.” This shows us that she’s trying her best, going from one bathroom to another, but there really is no system in place to get these products in. Along with that, we have problems with the jamming and misuse of dispensers, which is probably caused by a lack of knowledge and ignorance towards the use of them.
There is also a vital need to educate both genders about menstrual health. Period stigma exists in this day and age, contributing to the challenges faced by menstruating women. By having open conversations, we can work towards getting rid of stereotypes and ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, comprehend and support menstrual health needs.
While the dispensers represent a commendable step towards menstrual equity at our school, the existing challenges in restocking creates an equity issue. Simultaneously, tackling period stigma is essential for having a more inclusive environment. Fallon should promptly establish a reliable system to ensure consistent access to free menstrual products in compliance with AB367. Additionally, an informed and open dialogue on menstrual health is crucial to overcoming pervasive period stigma in our 6-12 school community.
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