What have we learnt from International Women's Day 2024?

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for society to listen to women’s experiences and learn how we can all make changes to ensure that women are more seen, protected and included. As a business, Freda takes this opportunity to reflect on what we can do to advocate for these changes and to use our voice and influence to be a greater ally to women.

We attended the Mishcon de Reya IWD conference, boasting Cherie Blair, CBE KC, amongst other inspirational women founders, speaking on the inequalities we face as women in the workplace and in society; reflecting on how far we have come and thinking about what the future holds for true inclusivity and equality. In conversation, Cherie Blair mentioned how empowering one woman helps support the entire community surrounding her. Part of the work we do at Freda seeks to change period narratives and remove stigmas around menstruation to make wider community impacts. We also ask a question that was brought up at the conference by Elaine Stern, OBE; ‘how can a woman be self-empowered if the environment she is in does not allow her to be?’. It is vitally important for women to be seen and included in all institutions and all spaces.

Inclusivity has always been important for Freda and recently we have been advocating for businesses and schools to take steps towards making their spaces more inclusive. Over the last 100 years, society has made great strides in seeing more women in empowered positions and in education, but we ask - is it enough just to include high numbers of women in these areas? Do women feel truly included if their basic needs are not supported by the institutions they operate in? Period care products are still mostly deemed as a luxury nice-to-have, if the budget extends far enough. Why is loo paper provided everywhere when period care products are in fact as essential?

We recently spoke with medical student Alexandra Tan from Imperial College London, to hear how supported she felt by institutions and society, and whether there is more we can all do to make women feel more included. Read her responses below:

Do you think period care is an important topic to be discussed around International Women’s Day?

100%. It is often overlooked and stigmatized due to misguided perceptions of menstrual blood as "waste" (even in medical school textbooks!) or "dirty." By giving it the platform it deserves, we can raise awareness and normalize discussions around period care, as organisations like Freda are already doing. Moreover, periods remain a huge source of inequality. Approximately 500 million individuals worldwide experience period poverty, which not only impacts their physical health but also has profound consequences on their emotional well-being, education, and overall quality of life.

Have you had any awkward period experiences whilst being on a university campus? How did you deal with it? 

While not on a university campus, I experienced an awkward period situation as a medical student during a surgery. I was with the neonatal team, waiting to receive a set of twins during a C-section. I remember the feeling of horror when I realised I had gotten my period, and was incredibly paranoid and scared of staining my bright blue scrub trousers. I rushed to the nearest toilet, only to find that they didn't have any period products. My backpack with toiletries was in a different building on the opposite side of the hospital. I frantically texted a friend, desperately asking if she had any period products available, but she wasn’t in that day. How is it that a hospital is equipped to deal with major haemorrhages, but doesn’t provide period products which is needed by more than half the staff and patient population? It’s absolutely puzzling.

In what ways do you think universities can create a more supportive environment for women on campus?

Providing free and easily accessible period products in every toilet across campus is a small yet significant gesture. It ensures that women are never caught off guard and can manage their menstrual needs with convenience and dignity. It's really encouraging to see many universities already adopting this practice. I

ncreasing the representation of women in leadership positions and as professors is also vital. In the UK, only 24% of professors are women, despite women comprising half of the lecturers. Additionally, female university heads account for a mere 18% of vice chancellors or principals (statistic from BBC). 

Universities should also confront wider infrastructure disparities that disproportionately affect women. Everyday facilities and infrastructure often fail to consider the specific needs and experiences of women, perpetuating gender biases. Caroline Criado Perez outlined brilliantly in her book ‘Invisible Women’ that  women “continue to be disadvantaged by a working culture that is based on the ideological belief that male needs are universal” and I see evidence of this everyday. 

What could be done to educate students and staff about period inclusivity to help break the stigma?

By normalising the conversation! 

Can be done through engaging and creative awareness campaigns. I absolutely loved Hertility’s campaign in London, featuring 350 billboards with humorous, sarcastic slogans like "You're not ovary-acting" and "Mind the gender health gap” on the tube. Similar campaigns centered around periods can help challenge societal taboos and create an environment where open dialogue about menstruation is encouraged.

Breaking the stigma isn’t an overnight task though, it requires understanding that centuries of cultural conditioning and societal norms need to be addressed. While the UK may have made significant progress in this, this isn’t the case in most countries. 

Do you feel that society totally supports all of your period needs? What could be improved?

No, we are far from perfect. While I personally haven't faced difficulties affording period products, many people are not as fortunate. Some disturbing stats - in the United Kingdom, 10% of girls have been unable to afford menstrual products, 15% have struggled to access them, and 19% have resorted to using inadequate alternatives due to high costs. In the US, a concerning 14.2% of college students who menstruate experienced period poverty in the past year alone.

To improve the situation, we need to collectively recognise that menstrual products are a healthcare necessity, and reduce or eliminate taxes on these products. Scotland, for example, has implemented a law providing free menstrual products to anyone who needs them (The Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2021). Such initiatives should be replicated and expanded to make sure everyone has access to the products they need without financial barriers.

We have made great strides towards inclusivity and equality, but there is still a lot of work to be done! Freda wants to work with workplaces, hospitality and educational institutions to help make spaces truly inclusive. If you would like to see Freda products available in your space, please fill in our enquiry form and we will get back to you.