March 26th, 2026

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is reaffirming its commitment to menstrual equity by ensuring that all students have access to the products they need, without barriers, stigma, or cost.

In 2025, through an ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Education, the WRDSB supplied more than 100,000 individual menstrual products to schools throughout the district. More than 650,000 menstrual products, including tampons and pads, will be sent to WRDSB schools throughout the next three years to ensure consistent access for anyone who needs them.

Since launching its menstrual equity initiative in 2019, the WRDSB has worked to address equity gaps in access to period products. This lack of access too often leads to missed school, activities, and opportunities. 

By offering free menstrual products across all 123 schools and alternative education sites, the WRDSB continues to take meaningful steps to reduce inequity and support student well‑being.

Centring Student Voice

As part of our ongoing work to remove barriers, the WRDSB gathered feedback from students in both elementary and secondary school. Students shared feedback on product types, accessibility, and how WRDSB can continue to support their needs. From these discussions, we learned that:

  • Students suggested a wider variety of product sizes to meet different stages of the menstrual cycle.
  • Access is more difficult when products are placed in only one or two locations in the school. 
  • Students prefer to have products readily available rather than relying solely on dispensers.
  • Students suggested that products be restocked frequently so supplies are consistently available.

Products for Everyone

Turning feedback into action, the WRDSB is implementing the following improvements for the 2026 school year:

  • Providing more product sizes for different stages of the menstrual cycle.
  • Making products freely available in accessible school locations, such as main offices, classrooms, guidance areas, Child and Youth Worker rooms, physical education departments, and baskets inside washrooms.
  • Ensuring that all students can access products.
  • Using visible, easy‑to‑find containers when appropriate dispensers are not available.

Through these efforts, the WRDSB continues to prioritize dignity, inclusion, and equity, ensuring that menstrual health and access to products are no longer a barrier to students’ education or well‑being.