We have a problem
Our research found that when people who menstruate play sport, 90% fear leaking, 72% are anxious about their period, and 68% skip playing sport because of their period. At times respondents felt despondent, as noted by one “It doesn't feel like there's any support or acceptance in this sport, and while I still participate, I am afraid of an unexpected period in case of another leakage."
Providing free period products at community sport facilities could remove a barrier to play sport and help drive membership.
Key findings
Free period products play a vital role to encourage girls and women to play sport:
- 81% believe it is ‘very to extremely important’ to access period products at sports facilities
- 87% of respondents agreed that sport facility policies need to recognise menstrual health as a fundamental right, where free period products are provided
- 53% believe access to period products removed a barrier to play sport
- Of those who had access to period products at their sport facilities (50%), 76% had accessed these products because they got caught out, no person took these products to stock up on personal supplies
- 53% of respondents who do not play at sport or leisure facilities, believe if access to period products were available it would increase their confidence to play sport
