Carlow County Council Launches the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative to Tackle Period Poverty
Carlow County Council is proud to announce the launch of the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative, Tuesday 21st January 2025; a new initiative aimed at tackling period poverty in our County. The initiative is designed to provide access to free menstrual products through "no cost" dispensers placed in publicly accessible buildings across the county. Healthy Carlow believe that “periods are natural, so is dignity.”
“This initiative is about more than just providing products. It is about making a statement that, as a county, we care about the well-being of our citizens.” said Coilín O’ Reilly, Chief Executive, Carlow County Council “By ensuring that period products are freely available, we are helping to break down the barriers that many people face when it comes to their menstrual health. We are saying that no one should have to face period poverty.”
The initiative is supported by the Department of Health and is part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges that many individuals face when it comes to accessing affordable menstrual products. It is widely recognized that period poverty – the inability to afford or access period products – is a significant barrier to full participation in society, particularly for those facing financial hardship.
According to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2022, a significant number of women experience some form of period poverty. The survey revealed that "24% of women surveyed have experienced at least one indicator of period poverty," with 14% of women aged over 25 reporting having to improvise with materials not intended for use during their period. These findings highlight the urgency of addressing period poverty and ensuring that menstrual products are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
As part of the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative, free period products are now available through dispensers in the following publicly accessible buildings:
- Carlow County Council County Building
- Carlow Town Hall
- Enterprise House
- Carlow County Museum and Library
- Bagenalstown Library
- Borris Library
- Tullow Library
- Ducketts Grove
- New Oak Community Centre
- Forward Steps Family Resource Centre
Free dispensers in these buildings ensures that people across the county have easy access to the products they need, helping to eliminate barriers to participation in daily activities, work, and education.
Speaking about the initiative, Leas Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Tommy Kinsella shared his enthusiasm “Whether it's a student, a mother, a worker, or someone in between, we want to make sure that no one is excluded due to something as natural and necessary as menstruation.”
The launch of the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative is an important step in promoting dignity, health, and equality for all members of the Carlow community. Carlow County Council and Healthy Carlow remain committed to ensuring that no one in the community has to feel excluded from what is a necessity, not a luxury.
Healthy Carlow, in collaboration with Carlow County Council, is committed to growing the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative in 2025. If your building is providing free period products, contact us to form part of the Carlow Period Dignity Initiative. Participating locations will receive free information posters, window stickers, and promotional support to raise awareness of the initiative. For more information contact Carlow County Council Community Section on 059 9170321.
