Half of Irish women experience period poverty.

Now Cork City Council is making a concentrated effort to combat the issue of cost surrounding sanitary products for once and for all.

A ‘Period Dignity’ project being rolled out across Cork City will see the installation of eight sanitary units in various locations, each containing complimentary sanitary pads and tampons.

The pilot project, launched today by the Lord Mayor of Cork. Cllr. Deirdre Forde, along with Cork City Council’s Women’s Caucus Chair Cllr. Mary Rose Desmond and members of the Women’s Caucus, spans several council sites including libraries, homeless services, and the City Hall campus.

Research shows that 50 percent of young Irish women have experienced issues around affording sanitary products, while Irish women and girls spend an average of €132 every year on tampons and sanitary towels.

The Period Dignity pilot project aims to prevent people from having to make dehumanising choices such as wearing the wrong product, worse quality product or wearing one for longer than is hygienic or safe.

It will encourage young people to attend school, increase participation in sport, support good health, and most importantly allow individuals to maintain dignity with the reassurance of knowing products are available if needed unexpectedly.

The locations of the eight units are:

• Cork Foyer Blackpool
• Hollyhill Library
• Mayfield Library
• Glanmire Library
• Douglas Library
• Ballincollig Library
• City Library Library
• City Hall Campus

“To this day, a certain stigma continues to be associated with periods, with a poor cultural understanding and education within our society.” said the Lord Mayor of Cork. Cllr. Deirdre Forde.

“I am optimistic that this pilot will help break that stigma and help those in period poverty across the city.”