What if free period care in public washrooms was as common as toilet paper? It might sound like a big shift, but change happens when enough people realize that something just makes sense. In his book Revenge of the Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell talks about how small changes build momentum until they become the new normal. We’re seeing this happen with period care—and businesses and public spaces need to get on board.
The Reality of Period Care Today
Right now, millions of people don’t have access to the period products they need. In the U.S., 1 in 4 teens and 1 in 3 adults struggle to afford them, with lower-income and marginalized communities facing the biggest challenges. When someone gets their period unexpectedly and there are no products available, they may have to leave work, school, or a public place just to take care of a basic need.
This isn’t just a personal inconvenience—it has real consequences for businesses and workplaces. Research shows that a lack of access to period products leads to missed work, lost productivity, and unnecessary stress. No one should have to leave work to find a tampon or pad when they wouldn’t have to leave to find toilet paper.
The Overstory of Period Care: The Tampon Tipping Point
Gladwell’s idea of an “overstory” is about the bigger narrative that shapes how we see the world. For too long, the overstory around menstruation has been that it’s a private issue, something people should deal with on their own. That mindset has kept period care out of public spaces. But the overstory is changing.
More businesses, schools, and public spaces are realizing that free period care is about fairness, dignity, and smart business. When people have what they need, they can focus on their work, education, or daily lives without interruption. It’s that simple.
How joni Is Leading the Shift
At joni, we’re not waiting for change—we’re making it happen. We’ve helped workplaces, schools, and public facilities across Canada with commercial solutions to providing free period care through our easy-to-use dispensers and biodegradable pads and tampons. 5% of every purchase supports period equity initiatives, helping students stay in school and people stay at work.
Our latest innovation? A digitized dispenser with tracking software that lets facility managers track supply levels and reduce waste, making period care easy to maintain. This isn’t just about access; it’s about creating a system that works for everyone—employees, employers, and facility teams alike.
Be Part of the Change
If you work in an office, school, or public facility, you have the power to make free period care a reality. Whether you’re in HR, admin, or operations, bringing this idea forward is a small action that makes a huge difference.
The tipping point is here. Let’s make free period care in public spaces as expected as toilet paper—because it should be.
Sources:
Malcolm Gladwell: Revenge of the Tipping Point
UN Women: Period Poverty – why millions of girls and women cannot afford their periods
American University: Globally to Locally, Period Poverty Affects Millions