Why do we need “Period-Friendly Spaces”?

A survey conducted by With Red in 2021 on Taiwanese menstruators’ experiences found that 58% of menstruators had unexpectedly started their period in public without access to menstrual products, and nearly 90% have had to borrow them from others.

Many also worry about the following when they are menstruating:

• Physical discomfort, fatigue, and low mood

• Cramps, heat, itching, and other discomforts

• Leakage, staining their clothes, or leaving blood on seats

• Not having access to a clean restroom where they can change their period products

As a result, menstruation becomes a significant factor that discourages people from engaging in activities outside their homes and negatively affects their overall experience. Yet despite being a natural biological process experienced by nearly half the population, menstruation has long been overlooked in the design of public spaces and services. This persistent gap in inclusive design remains an unresolved issue.

What is “Period-Friendly Space”?

It is a physical space planned and operated with consideration for the needs that may arise during menstruation. Through thoughtful design of the environment and services, the inconvenience, exclusion, and anxiety that too often accompany menstruating outside their homes can be eliminate. Menstruators can stay, move, and talk about menstruation freely.

What is the“Period-Friendly Map”?

In 2020, With Red launched the Period-Friendly Map initiative, inviting space owners to support the needs of menstruators around the world. This showcases the efforts of space operators who recognize menstrual needs and make environments more inclusive for everyone. The map not only provides practical support for those in need, but also raise awareness for menstruation-related issues.

We successfully developed a prototype of it using Google Maps’ “My Maps” feature, sharing and promoting it through the With Red community. To date, the map has surpassed 4 million views and has over 700 period- friendly space owners participating. A wide range of owners have joined the initiative, and the map currently includes schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants, cafés, organization hubs, exhibition venues, governmental offices, shops, and hotels, etc.