The Women's Centre of Halton has announced the successful conclusion of its Strong Like a Girl campaign, a community-driven initiative that raised $30,000 to normalize conversations about menstrual health and advance period parity for women and girls across the Halton region. The campaign engaged Girl Dads and Dad-preneurs through a series of awareness-focused challenges, raising $15,000, which was matched by Jill Knowles of Scotia Wealth Management as part of the Scotiabank Women Initiative, doubling the impact.
Empowering Through Open Dialogue
J. Nadia Headley, Executive Director of The Women's Centre of Halton, emphasized the importance of starting conversations about periods as a gateway to broader advocacy. "We started the conversation talking about periods and we had a lot of fun learning cool things about biology. However, this was just the beginning. When we start with period parity, we understand that a girl who grows up understanding her body and her needs in a home that is nurturing and empowering is more likely to advocate for her needs as a woman," Headley said. She called on dads to continue the conversation for every strong daughter in the community.
Period Parity: A Core Mission
Period parity ensures that every menstruating person has access to essential supplies, accurate information, and respectful environments free from shame or stigma. By fostering open dialogue, the Strong Like a Girl campaign aims to empower young women with the vocabulary to understand their bodies, promote self-respect, and recognize healthy dynamics in their personal lives.
Engaging Girl Dads in Fun Challenges
As part of the campaign, Girl Dads and Dad-preneurs participated in light-hearted challenges at Oakville Place, including a period pain simulator, period product hunt, princess tea party, bloating and chore challenge, walking in high heels, and performing everyday tasks while padded up. These activities sparked learning, empathy, and conversation around menstrual health. Participants brought their insights into their families, workplaces, and communities, encouraging open discussions about period care and body knowledge.
Community Donations and Impact
The campaign also encouraged community members to donate period products at Oakville Place. The $30,000 raised will directly support the Centre's mission to provide women and girls with knowledge and resources to navigate their health with confidence, breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
