Employee benefits provider Unum UK has launched an initiative as of today (5 September) where every bathroom in each of its UK sites has free and sustainable period products.
As part of a partnership with Hey Girls network, the provider will be stocking products to launch a period dignity scheme across its UK sites, to help reduce period poverty and eliminate the shame and stigma that exists around menstruation.
All products purchased through the partnership will be matched with a donation to community partners through Hey Girls, including foodbanks, women’s refuges and homeless shelters to support those in need.
Hey Girls distributes donations via its UK wide community partner network that works to support vulnerable people and has become the main provider of period products to the Scottish and Welsh government. Its aim is to ensure everyone has access to free products and inclusive education, while also using sustainable products and reusables to save more than nine million plastic bags from landfill.
According to Unum, the partnership is part of its ongoing commitment in prioritising its employees’ health and wellbeing.
Liz Walker, chief operating officer at Unum UK, said: “Unum UK is delighted to partner with Hey Girls and proud to support them with their mission to eradicate period poverty in the UK. Building the best possible place to work and supporting employee wellbeing in a sustainable way is one of our biggest priorities.
“We understand that improved access to high-quality period products and promoting positive conversations around period health is fundamental in maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace. The Hey Girls ‘buy one, donate one’ business model allows us to extend our reach beyond our workplace, perfectly supporting our own mission to help more people.”