Table of Contents
Updated on October 2, 2024
Creating a Period Dignity Washroom: Essential Features for Menstrual Health
Let’s talk about something super important (but often whispered about) – menstrual health and hygiene. It’s 2024, folks, and it’s time we made public spaces more welcoming for everyone, including menstruators!
Enter the superhero of this story: the Period Dignity Washroom.
These washrooms are game-changers in public health and inclusivity, providing essential amenities that help menstruators go about their day with confidence.
So, what makes a Period Dignity Washroom stand out?
Let’s explore the key features that make these facilities essential in today’s public spaces.
Why Period Dignity Matters in Public Spaces
Menstruation is a natural part of life for billions of people, yet it’s still stigmatized and inadequately addressed in public spaces. Lack of access to essential menstrual products and clean, private facilities can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and even shame.
Period Dignity Washrooms ensure that everyone, regardless of gender identity or socioeconomic status, has access to the resources they need to manage their periods safely and hygienically. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about upholding human dignity and promoting public health.
Key Benefits of Period Dignity Washrooms:
- Improved Accessibility: Provides essential products and facilities for all menstruators.
- Reduced Anxiety: Ensures people don’t have to worry about being unprepared for their period in public spaces.
- Promotes Inclusivity: Supports a welcoming environment for everyone, including non-binary and transgender individuals.
A Hygienic Spot to Manage Periods
Imagine you’re out and about, living your best life, but then – bam – period drama strikes. People aren’t always expecting their periods, and even if their cycle is predictable, a lot of menstruators live with conditions and factors that have a huge impact on the predictability of their cycle. This is where Period Dignity Washrooms swoop in! They’re clean, they’re safe, and they’re all about giving menstruators a stress-free, private, clean experience.
Essential Features of a Period Dignity Washroom
These aren’t your average restrooms. Oh no – Period Dignity washrooms are equipped with amenities that make the menstrual experience as uneventful and peaceful as possible so everyone can go about their day as planned.
1. Touch-free Disposal Bins: Right next to the toilet, there should be a high-capacity, hands-free, covered bin where menstruators can toss their waste without touching anything. Proper menstrual waste disposal bins have an automatic or foot-pedal operation so that waste can easily go in and an internal flap so that no one has to see other people’s waste. Some washrooms might be better suited to a wall-mounted touch-free bin, which is a great option for spaces that need to be cleaned frequently or anywhere tight on floor space.
Bonus points are given for all-natural waste treatment that kills pathogens and odours with its vapour action.
Check out our menstrual hygiene waste disposal services.
2. Free Period Products: Because nobody should have to do a MacGyver move with toilet paper. They should be easily accessible to everyone who steps foot in the washroom. High five for inclusivity!
Bonus points for an ADA/AODA compliant dispenser with a high capacity and organic, sustainably made period products with a donation program fueled by purchases!
Check out our Aunt Flow period products and dispensers.
3. Individual, Single-Use Disposal Bags: Some menstruators don’t want to touch their used period products. This may be because they’re wearing white pants and don’t want to transfer blood to their clothes, or it could be that they were taught it was toxic and are living with that stigma. Either way, these people are likely flushing and clogging your toilets, causing costly damage.
Providing a single-use disposal bag will eliminate all the reasons people flush and make disposal clean and simple.
Bonus points if the bags are made with cornstarch and large enough to put a hand into.
Check out our Aunt Flow disposal bags.
4. Toilet Seat Sanitizer: Who needs flimsy paper covers when you can zap those germs away with a quick spritz? Cleanliness
Have you heard of “the hover method” of evacuating the bladder, resulting in urine spray all over toilet seats? Since women and girls have to sit down to go, and the whole world is squeamish about germs, many have decided that it’s better to squat over the seat rather than sit. The result is a very wet, very gross toilet seat that no menstruator wants to sit on.
Adding a toilet seat sanitizer dispenser next to each toilet ensures that every user can get rid of germs before sitting down and remove any reason to hover. Everyone will thank you for this one.
Here is what one Reddit user says in a plea to the universe to keep toilet seats clean. Our solution is infinitely better than toilet paper, though.
Bonus points for checking out our toilet seat sanitizer service.
The Impact of Period Dignity Washrooms on Public Health and Inclusivity
Beyond the immediate benefits of convenience and comfort, Period Dignity Washrooms play a significant role in public health. By providing essential amenities, these washrooms help reduce the risk of infections and complications related to improper menstrual hygiene management. Furthermore, they promote inclusivity by recognizing and addressing the needs of all menstruators, including those who are transgender or non-binary.
Why This Matters:
- Reduced Health Risks: Proper facilities prevent infections and other health issues associated with poor menstrual hygiene.
- Promotes Social Equality: Ensures that everyone has access to essential resources, regardless of income or gender identity.
- Encourages Open Dialogue: Helps break the stigma surrounding menstruation, making it a normal and accepted part of public health conversations.
What NOT To Do
What you won’t find are germ-covered, rusty boxes or overflowing trash cans that seem like they belong in a horror movie. Nope, they’re banished (and always overflowing)!
The Cherry on Top
It’s not just about having fancy features; it’s about respect and support. These washrooms are a big hug saying, “We got you,” making everyone feel seen and cared for.
Period Dignity Washrooms are more than just a convenience—they are a statement of respect and support for all menstruators. By incorporating essential amenities and promoting an inclusive environment, these washrooms set a new standard for public spaces. Citron Hygiene is committed to supporting businesses and institutions in creating Period Dignity Washrooms that meet the needs of all users.
Ready to upgrade your facilities? Transform Your Restrooms – Contact Citron Hygiene Today. Reach out to Citron Hygiene for a consultation and discover how we can help you create a welcoming, inclusive, and dignified space for everyone.
Period Dignity Washroom – FAQs
What makes a Period Dignity Washroom different from a regular restroom?
A Period Dignity Washroom is equipped with specialized amenities such as free period products, touch-free disposal bins, and toilet seat and hand sanitizers, all designed to ensure proper hand hygiene and a clean, safe, and supportive environment for menstruators.
Why is it important to provide free period products in public spaces?
Providing free period products ensures that everyone has access to essential hygiene products, reducing anxiety and promoting inclusivity. It also prevents situations where people have to use unsanitary alternatives.
How do touch-free disposal bins contribute to hygiene?
Touch-free disposal bins minimize contact with menstrual waste, reducing the spread of germs and making the disposal process more hygienic and comfortable for users.
What are the benefits of using organic period products in these washrooms?
Organic period products are free from harmful chemicals and are better for the environment. They provide a safer and more sustainable option for menstruators.
How can businesses implement a Period Dignity Washroom?
Businesses can start by assessing the needs of their visitors, installing necessary amenities such as free period product dispensers and touch-free bins, and ensuring regular maintenance to keep the washroom clean and well-stocked.
Why is menstrual health considered a public health issue?
Menstrual health affects the well-being, dignity, and productivity of menstruators. Lack of access to proper hygiene facilities and products can lead to health complications, social stigma, and reduced quality of life, making it a significant public health concern.
