Abstracts
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss a qualitative data set that was gathered as part of a survey aiming to document access to menstrual supplies on campus and impacts on students. This research emerged in response to the growing interest in menstrual equity on campus, as well as literature examining student experiences of menstruation in the Global North. Through a thematic analysis, three main themes emerged: menstruation happens on campus, menstruation is managed on campus, and finally, the “solution” to the “problem.” Woven throughout the paper are notes on changes on the campus where the study took place and as the research unfolded—including the installation of barrier-free dispensers. In closing, we offer a postscript on the challenge of simple fixes—such as swapping out dispensers—in relation to addressing supports needed for menstruators. We found that menstruation is a burden that is experienced differentially by students, and outcomes and impacts cannot easily be confined to expected campus spaces, such as toilets. To this end, there is no easy fix, and we should not lose sight of the deeper and ongoing work ahead within post-secondary settings and beyond.
Keywords:
- menstruation political and social aspects,
- menstrual/period products,
- post-secondary students,
- menstrual equity
Résumé
Dans cet article, nous discutons d’un ensemble de données qualitatives qui ont été recueillies dans le cadre d’une enquête visant à documenter l’accès aux produits d’hygiène féminine sur le campus et les répercussions sur les étudiantes. Cette recherche a été menée en réponse à l’intérêt croissant pour l’équité en matière de produits d’hygiène féminine sur le campus, ainsi qu’à la documentation sur les expériences menstruelles vécues par les étudiantes dans les pays du Nord. Une analyse thématique a permis de faire ressortir trois thèmes principaux : les menstruations sur le campus, la gestion des menstruations sur le campus, et enfin, la « solution » au « problème ». L’article est truffé de notes sur les changements survenus sur le campus où l’étude a été menée et tout au long de celle-ci, notamment l’installation de distributeurs facilement accessibles. En conclusion, nous proposons un post-scriptum sur le défi que représentent les simples solutions, comme le remplacement des distributeurs, pour répondre aux besoins des personnes qui ont des menstruations. Nous avons constaté que les menstruations sont un fardeau qui est vécu différemment par les étudiantes, et que les effets ne peuvent pas facilement être limités aux espaces prévus sur le campus, tels que les toilettes. Il n’y a donc pas de solution miracle, et nous ne devons pas perdre de vue les efforts considérables et continus qu’il faudra déployer dans les établissements postsecondaires et ailleurs.
Mots-clés :
- menstruation aspects sociaux et politiques,
- produits d’hygiène féminine,
- étudiantes de niveau postsecondaire,
- équité en matière de produits d’hygiène féminine
Appendices
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