Together for Menstrual Equity at the University of Sherbrooke

Menstrual equity is an essential issue aimed at ensuring free and safe access to menstrual hygiene products for anyone who needs them. However, this remains a challenge in many environments, particularly in universities.

This is why the Federation of Students at the University of Sherbrooke (FEUS) has partnered with Alea Protection to improve access to menstrual products on campus. This collaboration has led to the installation of the first free menstrual product dispenser in a restroom at the Student Life Pavilion. A groundbreaking project that aligns with broader efforts toward social justice and student well-being.

What is menstrual equity?

Menstrual equity means free and universal access to healthy and safe menstrual products, comparable to other essential items like toilet paper and soap.

This fight for accessibility has gained momentum in recent years, particularly with amendments to the Canadian Labour Code in December 2023. Since then, federally regulated employers are required to provide free menstrual products to their employees in the workplace. This is a significant advancement that underscores the importance of normalizing access to these hygiene products.

An initiative by FEUS and Alea Protection

The FEUS initiative addresses a specific need among students at the University of Sherbrooke. The goal? To provide immediate and free access to quality menstrual products without the concern of cost or availability in stores.

Alea Protection, a Quebec-based company specializing in healthy, environmentally friendly menstrual products, played a key role in this project. They provide the dispensers and products, ensuring a healthy, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing alternative.

Alea’s commitment to healthy and accessible products

Since its inception, Alea Protection has advocated for menstrual products that respect both health and the environment. Its range includes pads and tampons made from certified organic cotton, free from harmful substances, plastics, pesticides, dyes, and fragrances.

Their goal is to offer simple and healthy products that meet the needs of menstruating individuals while minimizing environmental impact.

Incorporating Alea products into your institution

Access to menstrual products should be as straightforward as access to toilet paper. That’s why Alea supports universities, businesses, and institutions that want to provide these products to their staff or community.

If you would like to add Alea products to your institution, click here.