The Sew Your Own Period Product workshop, delivered at the University’s Harrow Campus on 9 November 2023, aimed to tackle stigmas surrounding menstrual health and spread awareness of reusable period products to combat waste.
The event was run by the Sustainability Team and the UWSU in collaboration with the Fashion School during Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance Week. The workshop emphasised creativity and innovation within fashion design to work towards everyday sustainable solutions. Participants learned to sew reusable period pads which can be washed and used for several years, reducing the volume of plastic going to incineration. Reusable pads were also given out for free at the event with the aim of spreading sustainable awareness.
The Westminster Sustainability team was joined in this workshop by the UK-registered charity Freedom4Girls which fights against period poverty and challenging inequalities associated with menstruation. Period poverty is a global issue affecting millions who struggle to afford or access safe menstrual protection. The social, economic and environmental impacts of period poverty have wide ramifications, with many of those affected restricted from equal education and job opportunities simply due to their periods. Freedom4Girls provides period products and supports environmentally friendly choices.
The University of Westminster aims to empower all and challenge taboos through its work with menstrual health, wellbeing and sustainability in university operations and events. This sustainability event was part of the University of Westminster’s sustainability goals which are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. The Sew Your Own Period Product workshop was oriented to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, highlighting the importance of sustainable development.
University Sustainability Coordinator Dularee Goonetilleke said: "It was wonderful to see students getting involved with our sustainable period product workshop and engaging in thought-provoking conversation about tackling stigmas surrounding menstrual health. The need for a behaviour change amongst the Westminster community is crucial to ensuring sustainable development and I think we've made some really good progress towards this. This initiative will pave the way for similar events surrounding good health, adequate sanitation and waste reduction.”
Learn more about the University of Westminster’s Sustainable Development commitments.
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