Why We Need More Restrooms Offering Free Menstrual Products | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why We Need More Restrooms Offering Free Menstrual Products

New York City just made history in menstrual activism. We can't just stop there.

56
Why We Need More Restrooms Offering Free Menstrual Products

Earlier this month, New York City became the first major city in the United States to approve a bill that would give all women in public schools, prisons and homeless shelters access to menstrual products free of charge. While undoubtedly this was a monumental leap in menstrual activism for the country, it is an action that should be followed in more bathrooms across the country, because as a woman, I'll come out and say it - having to shell out an extra few bucks each month for something as necessary as a pad or tampon is another reason to add to the list of why I'm moody AF every 28 days. And for those who are struggling financially, it really is a hassle to put out money like this for something that should be free. A pad or tampon isn't a luxury - it's a need.

Alright, let’s rewind to middle school (and why public schools should offer free sanitary products for girls). I put myself in the position of a middle school girl who just got her period unexpectedly. Now, for those of you reading who lack the necessary lady parts or do not fall into this age range of monthly moodiness, try to picture yourself in the place of a 12-year-old girl who goes to use the bathroom during class, only to find quite the mess in her underwear. She’s in a rough situation and she needs a tampon, a sanitary napkin and maybe a chocolate bar immediately (I know what you're thinking - "Is she really writing this?" "Is she really talking about periods on the internet?" That's ludicrous of her!).

I remember being in this girl's spot. Having a freak out in my school bathroom stall because mother nature had decided to visit me at the worst possible time and I didn’t have a pad or tampon on me. I also didn’t have 50 cents on me to purchase one from the machine in my school bathroom, which 75 percent of the time, would just eat up students' lunch money and not return them with one of those cheap and comfortable cotton products.

While now, I’m more susceptible to my body and when I may or may not be expecting my period, a lot of women aren’t. And at 14, I didn’t know what was going on with my body. Heck, I didn’t even know what was going on in Algebra class. And then BAM, my period would come, I’d be unprepared, I would build some makeshift sanitary napkin out of toilet paper and then run back to class asking all of my girlfriends if they had spare change to purchase an extra pad or tampon for me. Crossing my fingers it wouldn’t bleed through my pants (I KNOW, SO GROSS). A good public school would have had these necessary products readily available.

It was embarrassing, but also I know I’m not the only one this has happened to. I’ve been asked several times by friends of mine if I had an extra pad or tampon or to check their backside to make sure they were good. It’s practically girl code. Even if I didn’t like a girl, and she needed a tampon, I would give it to her because no girl should ever have to suffer like that. It’s a necessity and it’s such a hassle that these products are not easily available for women in public restrooms. While some public bathrooms have machines where women can put money in, some don’t and it leaves a woman on her period in a helpless situation. If bathrooms can be stocked with rolls and rolls of toilet paper, would it be outrageous if feminine products were also offered? Sometimes, we ladies forget to pack an extra few pads in our backpacks or briefcases in the morning and then we have to face the repercussions (like embarrassing stains in the back of our pants).

So bottom line, thank you to the strong females in the New York City council for this historic period progress, but we need more. We need free tampons and pads in ALL public schools, homeless shelters and correctional facilities. They're a necessity, and making progress in one city is great, but we need more period progress. All females, no matter where located, have to deal with these dilemmas.

Women shouldn't have to be throwing money away every month for something as necessary as a pad or tampon, especially if money is a struggle for them. Young girls shouldn't have to freak out in their school bathrooms and resort to tying a sweater around their backside to hide their blooper because it was so hard for them to find a sanitary product.

Oh, and maybe free candy bars should be provided also (but yeah, that’s up for debate). Promote period progress!

Disclaimer: this was not written under the influence of me being moody and having a lot of 'feels.'

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

4607
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3111
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2400
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments