)
The Period Purse™ is Canada’s first and only registered charity dedicated to
menstrual equity. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario we provide free period
products through our community partners; while our advocacy and education programs extend from coast to coast.
The Period Purse™: Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To create menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period
products for all and by ending the stigma associated with periods through
education and advocacy.
products for all and by ending the stigma associated with periods through
education and advocacy.
Vision
For menstruation to be understood and treated with dignity and for period products to be free for all.
Values
DIGNITY
We believe that menstruation should be understood and respected.
POSITIVITY
We are committed to taking positive action to end the discriminatory stigma associated with menstruation.
ACCESS
We believe that the availability of the full variety of period products to all people who menstruate is a fundamental right.
DEDICATION
As a collective and with our partners in the community, we are determined to pursue all ways of affecting positive change for all people who menstruate, for generations to come.
Our Story
A Dream of One Purse
In 2017 Jana Girdauskas, a teacher and mother of two, had a light bulb moment after encountering a person experiencing homelessness. What would this individual do during menstruation?
Curious, concerned and committed, Jana was compelled to fill one purse with menstrual products and other wellness items. She planned to keep the pack in her car for the next time she encountered a person in need.
With everything to fill the purse at home, Jana was just missing the physical bag. So, she asked her local Facebook group if anyone had a spare purse to donate as she had an idea with a “period purse”.
Within three weeks, Jana received 350 purses filled with donated products and The Period Purse™ was born, sparking a menstrual movement across Canada.
The Period Purse™ was the first Canadian registered charity dedicated to menstrual equity. Each month the charity donates thousands of period products and provides education and advocacy to break the stigma of menstruation.
Our Impact
