There’s something quietly transformative about a well-equipped, stigma-free washroom. It might not grab headlines, but it sends a powerful message. Across schools, workplaces, and public facilities throughout Ireland, the conversation around period dignity is starting to find its voice—and not a moment too soon.
Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet it’s still shrouded in silence, especially in places where it should be most accepted. With Menstrual Hygiene Day on the 28th of May, now is the time for organisations across Ireland to turn awareness into meaningful action.
What Is Period Dignity and Why Should We Prioritise It?
Picture this: You step into a washroom with cramps that make it hard to focus or move, only to find no menstrual products available, nowhere discreet to dispose of used ones, and a general lack of privacy. For far too many in Ireland, this isn’t a rare inconvenience—it’s a regular reality.
Period dignity is about more than just offering sanitary pads or tampons. It’s about ensuring clean, inclusive, and accessible facilities where menstruation is treated with the respect it deserves. It’s a commitment to equity, wellbeing, and dignity.
Recent surveys suggest that a significant number of women and people who menstruate in Ireland are still affected by period poverty, often unable to afford basic products. This is not just a public health concern—it’s a social justice issue. When students miss school or workers feel forced to stay home, the whole community suffers.
Why Now? The Responsibility for Irish Employers and Institutions
Menstrual Hygiene Day isn’t just a symbolic date. It’s a global reminder to act with empathy, and for those managing public buildings or workplaces, it’s a chance to step forward and say: We care. We’re listening. We’re taking action.
Introducing period-friendly washrooms isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about creating environments that reflect your values. Doing so can boost morale, enhance trust, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion and care.
How to Build a Period Dignity Washroom in Ireland
Designing a washroom that supports menstrual dignity takes more than good intentions. It takes planning, investment, and a clear understanding of what people need. Here’s what it involves:
- Stock a variety of free menstrual products, including pads, tampons, and if possible, reusable options.
- Ensure products are available within each stall, not just near sinks or entrances. Privacy matters.
- Provide disposal bins in every cubicle, no matter the gender sign on the door.
- Keep facilities clean, bright, and clearly signposted, with layouts accessible for all users.
- Use inclusive, supportive language in signage to help break down stigma.
These simple yet meaningful details communicate one strong, unified message: “You belong here.”
A Call to Action for Irish Workplaces and Public Spaces
Real change doesn’t always come from big declarations—it often begins with a small, consistent choice to care. Providing period dignity in your washrooms is one of the most effective ways your organisation can support inclusion, wellbeing, and equality.
As we approach World Menstrual Hygiene Day, take a moment to consider what your washroom facilities currently say about your organisation—and what they could say instead. Because dignity shouldn’t be something we request. It should be something we expect.
Interested in making your space more inclusive? Contact us to learn how Initial Hygiene Ireland can help create a welcoming, period-friendly environment. Promote wellbeing. Stand for dignity. Take action.