The Victoria Airport Authority announced an initiative aimed at supporting menstrual health and fostering inclusivity within the airport terminal building by partnering with a women-led, Victoria-based company.
Ahead of a December 2023 labour code mandate requiring federally regulated organizations to provide free feminine hygiene products, the airport partnered with Joni, an award-winning provider of biodegradable and organic menstrual-care products.
“We are committed to creating a workplace and travel environment that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all individuals,” said Elizabeth Brown, airport authority president and CEO, in a news release. “The installation of period care product dispensers reflects our dedication to supporting menstrual health and promoting inclusivity within our community.
Joni, which was founded in 2020, aims to provide sustainable products to those who need them as prices of health products continue to soar. According to Joni, one in three Canadians with periods under the age of 25 are not able to afford period products, and a box of tampons costs up to $30 in some communities.
“By installing Joni free-vend commercial dispensers, YYJ creates more equitable spaces for workers and travellers. As a woman-led business, we appreciate the partnership and YYJ’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility when it comes to menstrual care solutions in public washrooms,” said Linda Biggs, CEO and co-founder of Joni, in the release.
According to the release, the decision to work with Joni aligns with the airport’s efforts to integrate environmental, social and governance considerations into its operations, and it furthers the initiative to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization.
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