TABOO aims to improve tampon access in the workplace
The Adelaide-based business has kickstarted a ‘bloody important conversation’ with its new program to make period products more accessible for workers.
TABOO managing director Eloise Hall. Photo: Flash Point Photography.
The scaleup’s latest initiative aims to open up access to period care in the workplace by allowing employees to anonymously request free period products from their employer via a new website.
Co-founder and managing director Eloise Hall said the approach would assist those who do not have access to “adequate period care”.
The program comes in time for Women’s Health Week (4-8 September), with Hall noting that the topic of period care in the workplace remains stigmatised.
“Because the conversation around menstruation is still stigmatised, employers haven’t yet recognised their responsibility to provide period products to their staff, in the same way they provide toilet paper,” said Hall, an InDaily 40 Under 40 alumnus.
“Our website empowers people to approach their employer anonymously, by inviting us to have the conversation on their behalf.”
Hall said the ‘Bloody Important Conversation’ microsite alleviates the stress of contacting a manager, boss or HR rep. It lets employees provide their employer’s name, email and business name anonymously so TABOO can reach out about stocking their workplace bathroom with period products.
“Many businesses provide free lunches and alcohol, so why not tampons? Too many Australians are struggling to afford their period care, it’s time to make a real change,” Hall said.
“All of TABOO’s company profits are committed to supporting at risk communities’ access to dignified period care, so the impact stretches far beyond the office.
“Wherever there is toilet paper there should also be period products.”
TABOO’s period products. Photo: Provided.
TABOO was guided by a 2021 survey from Swinburne University of Technology which found that 42 per cent of respondents found it difficult to buy period products and almost half risked toxic shock syndrome from extended use of tampons because they could not afford to purchase more.
TABOO says the ‘Bloody Important Conversation’ site was the first step towards breaking the stigma and facilitating the conversation, after a survey found 59 per cent of respondents “too emarrassed” to discuss menstruation in the workplace.
The website officially launches today at bloodyimportantconversation.com.au.
