For all the non-menstruators who support menstruators.
What’s a Flow Bro?
To welcome non-menstruators into the conversation, we coined the term “Flow Bro.”
Defined: A non-menstruator who supports menstruators and advocates for freely accessible period products in public bathrooms.
Toilet paper is offered for free, why aren’t tampons and pads?®
YOU can advocate for change:
Educate Yourself
Before having a conversation about periods, it's important to know the fundamentals!
Advocate
Use the conversation as an opportunity to advocate for change. Discuss ways in which you can support period equity, such as donating menstrual products or advocating for policy changes that promote access to menstrual products.
Take Action
You can help break down stigma and promote period equity in your workplace and community by providing free period products.
Language is important
Instead of "women" or "girls," say:
Instead of "feminine hygiene products," say:
23%
students have struggled to afford period products
Source: State of the Period
500 million
people lack access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities
86%
people started their periods unexpectedly in public without the supplies they need
Source: Murphy's Law of Menstruation
Resources
Flow Bro Highlight: Roger Phelps
Frequently Asked Questions
Talking about periods in the workplace can be a sensitive topic, but it's important to create an open and supportive environment that allows for open communication about reproductive health. Here are some tips on how to talk about periods in the workplace:
-
Be respectful: Remember that not everyone is comfortable discussing periods, and some people may have different cultural or religious beliefs that shape their attitudes towards menstruation. Be mindful of people's boundaries and don't force anyone to engage in the conversation.
-
Use inclusive language: Use language that includes all genders and identities, not just those who menstruate. This can help to create an environment that is inclusive of all employees, regardless of their gender identity.
-
Provide resources: Make sure that employees know about the available resources, such as sanitary products and private restrooms. Encourage employees to reach out to HR or management if they have any concerns or needs related to menstruation.
-
Normalize the conversation: Talking openly and honestly about periods can help to break down the stigma and normalize the conversation. Encourage employees to share their experiences and to ask questions if they have any.
-
Lead by example: As a leader or manager, you can help to create a positive workplace culture around periods by being open and supportive. Share your own experiences if you feel comfortable, and make sure that your team knows that they can come to you with any concerns or questions.
A non-menstruator who supports menstruators and advocates for freely accessible Aunt Flow products in public bathrooms!
The words we use when discussing periods shape how society views them. As such, it’s important that the language we use reflects the fact that not all people with periods are women, and not all women have periods.
Language to avoid:
- Saying “women” or “girls” when talking about periods
- Referring to period products as “feminine hygiene products”
Instead, use inclusive language like:
- “Menstruator(s),” “people who menstruate” or “people with periods”
- “Period product(s)” or “menstrual product(s)”
Talking to boys and non-menstruators about periods is important for several reasons:
-
Promotes gender equality: Educating boys and non-menstruators about periods can help break down gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. They can learn that menstruation is a natural bodily function and not something to be ashamed of or stigmatized.
-
Encourages empathy and understanding: By understanding what menstruation is and how it affects people who menstruate, boys and non-menstruators can develop empathy and understanding towards their menstruating peers, family members, and friends. This can help to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with menstruation.
-
Helps reduce period poverty: When boys and non-menstruators are educated about periods, they can become advocates for better access to menstrual products in schools and communities. This can help to reduce period poverty and ensure that everyone who menstruates has access to the necessary products and resources.
-
Improves communication: Talking to boys and non-menstruators about periods can improve communication between genders and foster a more open and supportive workplace environment. This can help to reduce misunderstandings, promote inclusion, and create a more positive workplace culture.
Cost is often cited as one of the factors holding organizations back from offering pads and tampons for free.
“Isn’t providing free menstrual products expensive?” is a common question asked, but the good news is, it’s not actually that expensive.
For Schools and Universities
Schools and universities should budget $10-$20 per menstruating student per year for menstrual products.
For Businesses
A business should budget $5-$10 per menstruating employee per year for menstrual products.
When you take these costs into account, it’s such a small price to pay in order to improve the lives of menstruators in your community.
Show Your Flow Bro Pride
Flow Bro Bundle
1 pair of Flow Bro socks, 3 stickers + 3 pins
$30.00
Flow Bro Socks
Let’s hear it for the Flow Bros!
$15.00
claire coder,
founder + ceo
Hi! I’m Claire. I founded Aunt Flow after getting my period in public without the supplies needed.
Founded in 2016, Aunt Flow is a certified WBENC women-owned company based in Columbus, Ohio. At 18 years old, I dedicated my life to developing a solution to ensure businesses and schools could sustainably provide quality period products, for free, in bathrooms. Our products are made with organic cotton (no weird stuff) and we are constantly working to reduce our environmental impact! For every 10 tampons and pads we sell, we donate 1 to a menstruator in need. I call this people helping people. PERIOD.®