Holly Johnston, CEO and founder of Hello Period Equity, with Sussanne Skidmore, President of the BC Federation of Labour, showing off the Pads-on-a-Roll invention
VANCOUVER – Women face many challenges in the construction industry, ones that we see and many that we don’t. Proper access to menstrual products on job sites is a topic that does not come up often enough in everyday conversation, an issue that Holly Johnston, CEO and founder of Hello Period Equity, is actively trying to address.
“I founded Hello Period Equity’s pledge several years ago after seeing how workplace barriers were costing employers money through absenteeism and turnover,” says Johnston. “I focus on helping businesses, especially trades companies, understand that providing period products is like stocking toilet paper: it’s basic infrastructure that keeps operations running smoothly.”
Holly Johnston, CEO and founder of Hello Period Equity
Johnston has been steadily spreading her message of equality on the West Coast and across Canada through media, local partnerships, advocacy and company mentorship. She also sells a collection of female-specific products on her website.
“I work directly with employers to show them the numbers – how a small investment in workplace essentials can significantly reduce sick days and improve employee retention in competitive labour markets,” says Johnston. “I want trades employers across Canada to realize they’re missing out on talent because of fixable workplace barriers.”
According to Johnston, women make up only 5% of workers on construction sites nationwide, and, at the same time, the industry is facing a shortage of over 60,000 skilled workers by 2032.
“I’d like everyone to understand that providing period products isn’t charity, it’s smart business strategy. When basic workplace needs are met, people can focus on their jobs. The companies that solve this first will be the ones women actually want to work for.”
The company is at the crux of an exciting product launch which has inspired the roll out of further nationwide attention.
“We’re launching something that solves a major problem for trades employers: Pads-on-a-Roll for portable toilets. Think toilet paper, but for periods – menstrual products that come on a roll and install in any standard dispenser,” says Johnston. “This means construction sites, remote worksites, and industrial facilities can finally provide period products as easily as they stock toilet paper. No special equipment needed, no complicated systems.”
“It’s also the only practical portable toilet friendly option available, and we’re currently the sole BC supplier offering this solution.”
Although she might be new to many audiences, Johnston and her company have been around for some time and have achieved many formidable milestones already.
“The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) just implemented our Pads-on-a-Roll program across their facilities, showing how municipalities recognize this as essential infrastructure,” she says. “We’re also collaborating with Vancouver’s Kahani Pictures on educational content for our non-profit, Periods For All, which focuses on menstrual health barriers for people with disabilities. It’s incredibly rewarding work that goes beyond business.”
“Plus, we’re providing bespoke consultancy for several large menstrual dignity organizations, including The Period Purse, and a workplace program partnership with Days for Girls International’s Period Positive Workplace initiative,” Johnston says. “The Union of BC Municipalities just endorsed a resolution calling for free menstrual products in all public washrooms.”
As it is clear, the cause has struck a chord across the country, and the obvious need for this necessity goes without saying. However, that won’t stop Johnson from reminding people everywhere: this is about basic humanity, not just equality.
“When workplace needs aren’t met, we’re essentially discouraging half our population from participating fully in the economy. Women’s workforce participation drives GDP growth and innovation, but workplace barriers create invisible costs – lost productivity, reduced career advancement, and economic under-utilization of talent.”
“Society benefits when women can contribute their skills without worrying about basic dignity needs. To learn more about Hello Period Equity’s workplace solutions or to explore the Pads-on-a-Roll program for your facility, visit our website or contact us directly. Companies looking to address workforce challenges while positioning themselves as progressive employers can discover how period equity might be the competitive advantage they’ve been missing.”
www.helloperiodequitypledge.com
