The Homeless Period Belfast

Founded in 2016 by activist Katrina McDonnell, The Homeless Period Belfast is a volunteer-led initiative to alleviate period poverty, destigmatise menstruation, and campaign for universal access to free period products. Since its inception, it has collected and distributed thousands of period care packs to those in need across Northern Ireland, raised awareness around the issue of period poverty, and encouraged ‘period positivity’ through rallies, workshops, demonstrations, and social media engagement. Through the #MenstruationMatters campaign, Katrina McDonnell and her team of volunteers have also lobbied for free period products to be made available in toilets across the province, taking the stance that sanitary products are equal in necessity to toilet roll, and, therefore, should be free, accessible, and available for those who require them. In 2020, The Homeless Period Belfast’s ongoing activism and petitioning contributed to the NI Executive launching a pilot scheme to provide free period products to all pupils who menstruate in primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland. In March 2022, further progress was accomplished when the Period Products (Free Provision) Bill was passed by the NI Executive to consideration stage; another step towards achieving the universal and lawful provision of free period products in all public buildings.

This archive was kindly donated by Katrina McDonnell, founder of The Homeless Period Belfast, and is comprised of campaign material including leaflets, stickers, and pin badges.