Filtering through FlowBox

According to Government of Canada Publications, 49 percent of Indigenous women reported they could not afford menstrual products at least once in their lives.

This fact startles many people, but what is actually done about it? Here at Brentwood, three Grade 12s, Hana R, Kara E and Fareena K came together to create a non-profit organization called FlowBox; their aim is to deliver menstrual equity to Indigenous women in British Columbia.

This project is part of the Brentwood’s Women's Society which has allowed everyone to be a part of the initiative. Many boys have joined the project including Alvin F, Rogers ‘24 who “strongly believes in ensuring that all women have access to menstrual products. It's about promoting equality and supporting those who may not have the resources they need”. Not only did the co-founders create an organization that benefits Indigenous women, but they have also provided a space that has allowed men to showcase their support for this movement. 

FlowBox’s main aim is to deliver menstrual products to Indigenous women and so the first step to be tackled was methods of collection. A box has been placed in every house and this allows for a wide range of people to contribute within their own capacity. Not only did the representatives want to collect efficiently, but also add a personal touch to it. This was achieved by members of FloxBox painting the boxes in unique patterns that exemplified their passion to deliver righteousness to women’s lives. It showed how “the public are willing to help. It was just a matter of creating something that the people could support” commented Kara. 

Another method of collection is through a vending machine - a great interactive method that educates as well as dispense pins, liners, b-free cups and a booklet. The booklet includes information about period poverty and what we can do as a community to help. As of now, the ‘enlarged iPad’ - that seems to be its current name in the school - is placed in McNeill’s but after every few weeks its location will be rotated from Mayfair Mall to UBC and hopefully several other places in BC.

Toluwani A, Alex ‘24 feels that the vending machine is “a great addition to the Brentwood community”. Many people have approached the machine and in an attempt to figure it out, and have come away knowing startling statistics and facts about Period Poverty. 

Even when the products are delivered to Indigenous communities, the battle will not be fully won. It is an issue that continues to evolve in different forms.

Suhana V, Alex ‘24