Why Menstrual Health Support for Migrant Women in Hong Kong Matters | Good Period Alliance x Splash Foundation

Last weekend, we launched a new charity partnership with Splash Foundation, a Hong Kong organization empowering marginalized communities through swimming. Together, we’re working to address the financial, social, and physical health challenges caused when menstruation is overlooked, by expanding access to practical knowledge and free reusable period products.

Participants with our reusable period product gifts after the menstrual health session with Splash Foundation

Why Supporting Menstrual Health Matters

Our previous research with HelperChoice reveals the reality many domestic workers in Hong Kong face:

• 57% have been without period products, with 44% resorting to makeshift alternatives like toilet paper;

• 75% say painful period symptoms disrupt their work;

• 79% don’t feel they can communicate menstrual pain to their employers;

• 80% of employers don’t adapt workloads during menstruation.

Just as in all spaces—from corporate offices to school campuses—it is our goal to foster open dialogue between employers and employees. Long-term change cannot be achieved without this.

However, we’ve seen that providing practical support to individuals is a critical immediate step, with over 73% of Splash Foundation community members we surveyed before our collaboration launched expressing a desire for support to better manage their menstrual health.

“When I have my period, I can't move properly and can’t concentrate properly because I’m in pain and have a headache too. I’m often worried that my pad will leak. It’s the reason why I was absent for two of the Splash classes.” - Kristine Barbo

Splash Foundation founder, Libby, with Splash community members. Photo: Splash Foundation

Programs to Ensure Periods are Not a Disruption

Exploring new types of period products has multiple benefits: it not only increases body literacy and personal autonomy, but also enables individuals to manage their periods more confidently at work, in daily life, and during activities they love—like swimming lessons.

“I won’t let my period stop me from doing anything possible. I use tampons. Tampons are a big help, especially if you’re gonna be in the water. You don't have to worry and will be able to do things normally. I don't wanna miss anything if there is a choice not to.” - Gayle Balanon.  

Yet access to these products remains limited by stigma, lack of awareness, and the perceived barrier of upfront cost—even though they significantly reduce the long-term financial burden of menstruation.

“I have tried using a tampon before but it’s too difficult for me. So, I had to just sit and observe during those Splash classes. I felt sad because I lost the chance to train with my friends and coaches. I hope I can find something easier to use so I can swim even on my period” - Dewi Efendi 

By providing free reusable products alongside practical, stigma-free education, we aim to empower participants to manage their menstrual health with confidence. We've already seen between 50 - 80% of cohort participants switching fully or partially to reusables after our programs.

👉 Learn more about the impact of the Good Period Community Fund programs here.

Collaborating with Splash Foundation to Tackle Menstrual Inequality in Hong Kong

Our partnership with Splash Foundation reflects one of our core values: collaboration. Across Hong Kong, community leaders and organizations are doing impactful work to reduce inequalities. Where it’s needed, we aim to support their work by addressing menstruation as a hidden barrier that too often limits participation, confidence, and opportunity.

“Connecting our participants to information about menstrual health enhances their wellbeing and makes swimming, as well as living a healthy, active lifestyle, more accessible.” Paige Deayton, Events & Communications Coordinator 

Together, we’re building a more period-friendly Hong Kong, where menstrual well-being is the standard for all.

Driving Menstrual Health Impact Through Workplace Partnerships

Our Good Period Community Fund is powered by organizations across Hong Kong that provide our period care solutions in their workplaces. By supporting menstrual health in your organization, you’re able to enhance well-being in the workplace, while demonstrating real social responsibility and leadership in inclusion.