Free Periods HK was founded in 2018 and officially gained recognition as a non-profit charity in 2021, with continuous focus on the issue of menstrual poverty in Hong Kong. The road to menstrual equality is an arduous one, but the three founders are happy to take up the challenge. With the foundations laid, there comes the long-term work in pushing forward discussions of period poverty in the society.

Most of us have more or less experienced the constraints in life stemming from menstrual stigma, but we don’t have to feel ashamed about it.

“We’ve all experienced the helplessness of having to use toilet paper as makeshift menstrual pads.” In the restricted area of ​​the airport and hillside campus respectively, Joyce and Xaviera both were once at a loss because menstrual pads were not available anywhere nearby. For Zoe, the 2015 Nepal earthquake prompted her to think about the menstrual needs of women after disasters. Inspired by their own menstrual challenges and the vision of ​​caring for marginalized communities, the three founders hit it off and established Free Periods HK, and started their work with donation of reusable menstrual products to grassroots groups in need through a “Buy One Give One” donation program.

Exploring the relationship between the body and menstruation is a road to awakening. Xaviera’s graduation project studied the stereotypes of local menstrual pad advertisements, and found that the menstruating girls in the advertisements all wore white miniskirts and skipping happily. This is starkly different from the familiar menstrual experience in real life: the emotional flux pre- and post- menstruation, cramps so severe that it causes cold sweat, various muscle pains, and difficulty seeking help on the brink of fainting outdoor… The public is accustomed to the image of menstruation created by the media, and “blue menstrual blood” has become a metaphor for avoidance of discussions on menstruation, leading to misunderstandings and resistance. There were parents who opposed their daughter in junior high school using tampons and forced her to give up the opportunity to practice in the swimming team. Zoe still remembers this negative example clearly. 

Menstrual friendliness does not only refer to the knowledge of menstrual products, but also on whether society can provide space for friendly discussions about menstruation:

Menstrual friendliness is not a formula. It refers to our ability to empathise with the physical differences of different women and then find the most comfortable way to live with menstruation.

“Menstrual poverty in foreign countries may mean too impoverished to afford even a piece of menstrual pad, but in Hong Kong, it may mean being able to afford only one pad per day.” The main target beneficiary of Free Periods HK are local grassroots women, economically disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and people with intellectual limitations and physical disabilities. Although we believe everyone has the power to master their periods, the awareness and empathy for “everyone’s differences” are truly crucial in eliminating menstrual poverty.

Recalling a previous exchange, several local working women made fun of menstrual problems of domestic workers in for jokes, suggesting that they would be disliked by their “mums” (employers) if they used the microwave or stove to clean their menstrual cups. “How can anyone treat other’s menstrual plight as a joke?” the three rebuked in unison. On the other hand, Joyce once invited a classmate of the opposite sex on campus to touch a menstrual pad soaked in red liquid. The classmate curiously asked whether the adhesive part of the pad is meant to be stuck to the private parts. The unexpectedly positive response made Joyce realise that as long as people are willing to understand, empathise and respect the menstrual issues of different groups, breaking the menstrual taboo is not mission impossible.

We believe that building period-friendly communities is the foundation towards menstrual equality.

Like vines, Free Periods HK has been climbing through the seams of different communities where menstrual stigma takes roots. Growing as if we are a new variety of plants, we adapt to the unique climate of menstrual discussions in Hong Kong with intricate roots in a challenging position, as it is necessary to stand firm and thrive. For this reason, the three founders work ceaselessly to irrigate it, and are committed to promoting a menstruation-friendly community and eliminating menstrual poverty, with the goal of seeing menstrual equality come into fruition.

---