Donegal County Council launches ‘Period Dignity Initiative’

Donegal County Council has launched a women’s dignity initiative. 

The initiative aims to help end period poverty through access to free menstrual products, as well as hygienic spaces to use them and safe waste management in accessible public buildings. Period poverty refers to the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health. 

The range of period products available in Donegal County Council’s headquarters and public service centres are organic and eco-friendly, made with 100% certified organic cotton, with fully recyclable applicators and compostable packaging. Facilities are also available through the Family Resource Centres.

Provision of free products from ‘no cost’ dispensers will be available in the following: Donegal County Council County House and Motor Tax Office, Lifford; Carndonagh Public Service Centre; Donegal Public Service Centre; Dungloe Public Service Centre; Letterkenny Public Service Centre; Milford Public Service Centre; Cara House FRC, Letterkenny; Donegal FRC, Donegal Town; Downstrands Family Resource Centre, Portnoo; Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre; Mevagh Family Resource Centre, Downings; Moville Family Resource Centre; Raphoe Family Resource Centre and St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. 

In launching the initiative, Donegal County Council Chief Executive, Mr John G. McLaughlin said: “As a progressive and equality-conscious local authority, Donegal County Council recognises the importance of this initiative in acknowledging the seriousness of period poverty. 

“Supported by the Department of Health, through the implementation of the Healthy Ireland Round 4 Programme and Slaintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Donegal County Council will have invested over €1 million in health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the County between 2023 and 2025.”

“Poverty and disadvantage are significant risk factors for period poverty,” Director of Community Development and Planning Services, Mr Liam Ward said. “Donegal County Council, working in partnership with the Donegal Family Resource Centre Network, is committed to meeting the physical and mental health and wellbeing needs of the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

Ms. Margaret Fitzgerald, Healthy Ireland Coordinator welcomed the initiative and said: “Many of us are in the privileged position of being able to afford menstrual products and may find it hard to imagine not having this basic human need met but the Healthy Ireland Survey 2022 reported 24% of women surveyed have experienced at least one indicator of period poverty, with 14% aged over 25 reported having to improvise with materials not intended for use during their period”.

Donegal County Council collaborated with the Donegal Family Resource Centre Network to bring the extension of its Period Dignity Initiative.