Feminine hygiene products to be made available in all municipal buildings

Special to The Advocate

REVERE – An ordinance filed by Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo and Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya to make available in all Revere public buildings feminine hygiene products free of charge was adopted unanimously by the City Council during Monday night’s meeting. The ordinance, which was initiated from a conversation with Revere High School students, seeks to expand a program that already exists in the public schools to all municipal buildings.

“Menstrual products should be made available as a matter of public health and equity. This ordinance change sends a clear message that our municipal buildings and municipal government are a welcoming space for all people and that our city believes in public accommodations for all,” said Councillor Jaramillo.

The ordinance also ensures that any of the products made available do not contain carcinogens – a known of cause cervical and other cancers. Jaramillo added “that those protections added to the ordinance came directly from feedback received from students at the high school who advocated for this policy change.”

Councillor Guarino-Sawaya added that “access to menstrual and hygiene products is a basic necessity, not a luxury. No one should have to miss school, work, or daily activities because they can’t afford these essential items. By making them available in city-owned buildings, we promote public health, dignity, and equity for all residents. This ordinance takes a proactive, cost-effective approach by exploring grants and budget allocations to ensure sustainable access. Revere has the opportunity to lead by example in addressing period poverty and making our public spaces more inclusive and supportive for everyone.”

During the public hearing process, high school students who are members of the organization RespectHer shared personal stories about the importance of this access in places like the Revere Public Library, which they frequent with friends to do homework or participate in programs. This ordinance – born from the advocacy of young people at the high school working on a civic action project led by teacher Tina Petty – is a product of the school district’s commitment to ensuring its students take an active role in the policy making of their communities and the advocacy of the students themselves, who called and emailed many councillors urging to support its passage.