While PDHPE class sprouted a lot of information about periods coming every 28 days, most bar-going menstruators will have been caught out without the products they need at inopportune times.
Plus, with the cost of living rising, many women may find themselves unable to stretch to buy period products, or even changing them less frequently to save money.
The initiative is the result of YCK Laneways, a consortium of independently owned retail, hospitality and entertainment businesses in Sydney’s CBD, collaborating with WOOM, an Australian start up fighting period shame with organic and accessible period care products, to do something about the way women’s care items are provided in public places.
Image: WOOM
It’s their view that if Sydney’s bars have been providing free toilet paper since opening their doors, there’s no reason period products should not also be provided.
Erin Moy, Co-Founder of WOOM, explains, ““We started WOOM because we believe it’s the responsibility of every workplace to provide free period care to their team – in the same way they provide toilet paper.”
“We’re so happy that the push to provide accessible period care has extended beyond a work setting and has now been picked up by these amazing Sydney venues.”
The timing of the announcement is opportune, given it is World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, a day designed to break taboos around menstruation and raise awareness for the many women that do not have equal access to period care products.
Image: YCK Laneway
Moy adds, “I’ve certainly been caught out without period care on a night out many times, and love that we can help prevent that for customers in these bars and restaurants in the future.”
Karl Schlothauer, Vice-President of YCK Laneways, sees it as a wider move to make their venues more comfortable for all patrons.
“It’s up to venue owners to do everything they can to create a safer and more inclusive space for their patrons, so this partnership was a no-brainer for us,” he said.
So, without further ado, this is where you can go to sip on your favourite beverage while you menstruate.
The Barbershop
89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
Burrow Bar
Basement, 96 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Cash Only
1 Barrack St, Sydney NSW 2000
Duke of Clarence
Laneway, 152/156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Esteban
1 Temperance Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Jolene’s
73 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
The Lobo
1/209 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Papa Geddes
348 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000
PS40
40 King St Enter, Skittle Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
Sammy Jnr
66 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
Since I left You
338 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000
Stitch Bar
61 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
The Swinging Cat
44 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
Tiva
68 King St, Sydney NSW 2000
Uncle Mings
Basement, 49 York St, Sydney NSW 2000