Meet Menstrual Equity Change Champion Sherri Smith

This is the second post about Soroptimist Western Canada Region’s upcoming virtual forum – Period Poverty and Public Policy – What Next?. – the fourth event in our Gender Equality Now series.

If you haven’t already checked out the first blog post, you can do so here.

Our region boasts a second FABULOUS change champion in the fight for menstrual equity.  Let’s meet panelist, Sherri Smith. 

Sherri Smith has been a Soroptimist since 1995 and a United Way volunteer since 1988.  She is the current president of Soroptimist International (SI) of Central Alberta. Professionally, she is a Chartered Professional Accountant working in finance in the town of Innisfail. 

At the beginning of 2021, SI Central Alberta received a grant from the Red Deer District Community Foundation and the Fund for Gender Equality. 

The club partnered with the United Way of Central Alberta to create the Period Promise pilot project. Four schools in the Red Deer Public School District were outfitted with dispensers in EVERY washroom and stocked with free menstrual products for a 15-month pilot.  Survey data is being gathered for future advocacy work. 

Now a passionate menstrual equity and gender equality advocate, Sherri loves to learn and connect with other menstrual equity organizations across the country and the world.  She also continues to educate others about period poverty and advocate for free access to menstrual products in all public spaces, including all schools. 

1.    What was the biggest obstacle you faced in getting free menstrual products in Central Alberta schools?

COVID 19!!!!!!  We had tremendous help from United Way BC in setting up everything for the pilot, the resources, the contacts, the surveys, support, etc.  We were very fortunate to receive the funding so that this pilot could proceed. Funding could be an obstacle for others who want to also do this pilot. We had cooperation from the school board and the support from the 4 schools to begin the pilot. This was still all happening during COVID in 2021.

When the dispensers and products arrived and were ready to be picked up by school staff to have them installed there was school shutdowns and going to online learning. Finally, they were installed with only 2 months remaining in the school year. The following school year still has the pilot operational until the end of the school year, but every lockdown causes students to not have access to products they may need.

 2.    What in your opinion was the deciding factor in getting it passed? 

Don’t know how to answer this one, as we couldn’t prevent COVID from happening and just had to have patience that the students would eventually be helped.  

3.    What can private citizens and volunteer organizations like Soroptimist do to encourage policymakers to adopt similar resolutions across the country? 

Talk about period poverty as much as you can, where you can. At meetings, groups, with councillors, school boards, etc. Participate and support donation drives and organizations helping to end period poverty. Walk the talk. And also hold people accountable, such as politicians. When you read that a period poverty initiative is happening, follow up later to make sure they are doing it. Keep checking back that they are actually doing what they said they would.  

4.    Do you have any other advice for menstrual equity advocates who are trying to make a difference in their communities? 

I would recommend educating yourself and finding ways to collaborate. Education, such as reading, scouring the internet, social media pages, etc.  Attend webinars and forums put on by other organizations. With more knowledge you are able to speak to the issue with those who don’t know. Collaborate with other advocates in your town or city - more voices = more power. Find out first what is needed in your community, don’t assume you know what is needed. It is best to check with organizations, etc. who deal with period poverty every day.

Thanks so much Sherri!  We are really looking forward to hearing you and the other panelists at Period Poverty and Public Policy – What Next? on February 5th from 1 to 4 PM PST.