It was midnight, about 12 hours into her visit to the emergency department at the QEII, and still 24-year-old Ariel McTavish hadn’t seen a doctor. She had contemplated leaving; the wait wasn’t just long, it was terribly uncomfortable. She was cold, wearing just a johnny shirt. She was vomiting into a bag. She was there […]
menstrual health
Posted inFood + Drink
Moon Babes aims to create space for women to talk food and menstrual health
When Taq Kaur Bhandal moved back to Halifax near the beginning of the pandemic, she craved a space for women of colour that fostered community, nourishment and open conversation. After spending time with barely any human interaction during isolation, she was excited about finding a group open to the idea of creating solidarities and discussing […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
The COVID vaccine side effects Nova Scotia doesn’t acknowledge
Across the world, hundreds of millions of people who menstruate have gotten COVID-19 vaccines. In Nova Scotia, considering that more than half the population identifies as female, it’s possible that most of the 1.3 million vaccinations injected so far have gone to people with uteruses. And yet the effects of COVID vaccines on menstrual health […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
“Get over it, menstruation is normal” says Halifax councillor Lisa Blackburn
Staff will take another crack at figuring out how to provide free menstrual products in all HRM facilities, after councillor Lorelei Nicoll—who first brought the issue to council—said the initial pilot project presented this week could do more, and perhaps even cost less. Estimates vary, but it’s said that mensturators spend anywhere from $29 to […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
The difference between period poverty and universal access for low-income Haligonians
A s the clock approaches 8pm, your long and tedious work day is coming to a close. You can soon head home to help your children with their homework and tuck them into bed. You head to the staff area for your belongings as soon as the clock strikes eight, but on your way you feel […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Breaking the cycle of period poverty for low-income Nova Scotians
Gayle Collicutt was 17 when she saw her first women’s shelter. “My mother was an alcoholic and I was out of control,” she says, so eventually she was dropped off at Adsum House for Women and Children. The dramatic change in surroundings “was very eye-opening. “I got stolen from a lot,” she says. “I even […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
Friendly Divas wants to buy 500 Diva Cups before 2018
For low-income women in HRM, paying bills often takes priority. Rent, heat and groceries take precedence over hygiene products like shampoo, razors and menstrual products. It’s not ideal, but it’s necessary. When Haligonians donate to community groups, they often don’t think of those items either. “We buy the soup, and the boxed mac and cheese, […]