A Policy for Addressing Menstrual Equity in Schools: A Case Study From New York City, U.S.A.

Abstract

There has been a growth in menstrual equity policy advancements in the U.S.A. in recent years; with much of the new legislation prioritizing the needs of adolescent girls in schools. New York City, a predecessor of this movement, was the first U.S.A. locality to pass such legislation in 2016. The aim of this case study was to better understand the various factors which led to the development, passage and initial implementation of New York City's Menstrual Equity in Schools Policy. Data collection methods included a desk review and qualitative assessment with several actors involved across the policy and introduction phases. Key findings included (1) the utility of community narratives and a pilot project as a means for overcoming initial skepticisms, proving feasibility, and generating support; (2) the importance of policy champions for overcoming fiscal objections and navigating political discourse; and (3) lessons learned from early implementation efforts, including variance in awareness and distribution models. This case study yields valuable insights into the practical considerations when designing or implementing policies aimed at tackling issues of menstrual equity within school settings.

“Sometimes I just forget them”: capturing experiences of women about free menstrual products in a U.S. based public university campus

“…Second, the study’s findings suggest that advertising a period policy through social media, magnets, and flyers could effectively increase awareness and use of the policy. This finding aligns with other studies that advertisements for the policy contribute to observational learning and behavioural modelling, which promote the use of these free products [ 20 ]. Openly discussing menstruation management in public spaces could help reduce the stigma menstruators face [ 43 , 46 ], improve self-efficacy, and thus allow for better product access.…”

“…Participants also emphasized the importance of spreading awareness of the modified dispensers and dispenser sanitation and upkeep. These comments align with findings from other studies that free products succeed when adequate infrastructural developments complement the change [ 20 ]. Participants who were aware of the policy or placement of free menstrual products offered positive feedback and mentioned feeling supported by their community.…”

“…They specifically found that both student and administrative champions noted instances of students reporting their non-preparedness for periods and how that hampered them from attending classes. Similar results expounding the importance of policy champions and flexibility in distribution of free products were found in a case study in early implementation of free menstrual products in New York [ 20 ]. While many universities in the United States have followed the path of other high-income level (HIC) countries to provide free access to menstrual products in women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms, Gruer et al, [ 15 ] notes the need for more studies about other universities who have launched such programs.…”

“Girls May Bleed Through Pads Because of Demerits”: Adolescent Girls’ Experiences With Menstruation and School Bathrooms in the U.S.A.

“…Prior to the passage of numerous state-level menstrual equity policies across the U.S.A. (ACLU and Period Equity, 2019), NYC introduced the first municipal-level menstrual equity bill of its kind; implemented in NYC Department of Education operated schools in 2016 (Schmitt et al, 2022). The NYC legislation mandated the actual location for the provision of menstrual products in schools (e.g., directly inside bathrooms).…”

Menstrual Rights Programs and Policies for Childbearing-aged women and girls: A Systematic Review

“…The requirement to install sanitary pads for free access to feminine hygiene products in schools, including tampons and sanitary pads in the bathrooms of eight hundred public schools (for about 300,000 students) and the allocation of free menstrual supplies in the bathrooms of school buildings for students by the Department of Education (46) Requirement of distribution of free menstrual hygiene products in all public schools by some US state and city legislatures" (47) Removal of all taxes on the sale of menstrual products and services in the US states as "medical needs" (47 4.1.2. Vulnerable groups Providing free and subsidized pads along with menstrual hygiene education in rural areas of India (39,50) Helping to make sanitary pads with local tools in Myanmar UNFPA (37) Providing "menstrual dignity kits" to women in low-income countries by (37) Presentation of the "menstrual dignity kit" to women in war (Yemen) by UNFPA (37) Adoption of the most comprehensive judicial laws by the New York City Council (2016): Allocation of funds to provide free menstrual products for all shelters under the supervision of the Ministry of Homeless Services, Ministry of Health, and Mental Health (for the annual supply of 2 million tampons and 3.5 million pads).…”