Tamp-on the right track

A Period Dignity pilot project has been rolled out across the city to help tackle issues surrounding the cost of sanitary products.

The project comes as new research shows that 50% of young Irish women have experienced issues around affording sanitary products.

Phase 1 of the new pilot project includes the installation of 8 sanitary units across Cork city, containing complimentary sanitary pads and tampons.

The units will be installed at Cork Foyer in Blackpool, Hollyhill Library, Mayfield Library, Glanmire Library, Douglas Library, Ballincollig Library, Cork City Library, and City Hall Campus.

The initiative is jointly led by the Women’s Caucus and Cork City Council’s Corporate Affairs and International Relations and Community Culture and Placemaking directorates.

Speaking at the project’s launch, the Lord Mayor of Cork and member of the Women’s Caucus, Cllr Deirdre Forde said the project highlights the work the caucus aims to achieve by helping to combat the issue of cost surrounding sanitary products.

The Lord Mayor said: “To this day, a certain stigma continues to be associated with periods, with a poor cultural understanding and education within our society. I am optimistic that this pilot will help break that stigma and help those in period poverty across the city.”

The pilot was designed based on extensive international research in countries such as Scotland, England, Wales, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Cork City Council’s Women’s Caucus is working to implement further initiatives and interventions in 2023.