Promoting dignity for women and families is at the heart of the new Health Hygiene Lounge launched by the THA Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection.
Officially opened on Friday, the family-friendly space includes both a menstrual health room and a breastfeeding room.
Senior Programme Coordinator at the Diversity and Inclusion Unit at the THA, Renee Maria Cozier, explained the purpose of the two dedicated spaces within the lounge.
“The first is the Menstrual Health Room – an educational and service-oriented space that promotes menstrual health, equity and empowerment. The second is the breastfeeding room – a private, comfortable environment for nursing mothers. Together these rooms reflect our commitment to maternal and child health.”
The Health Hygiene Lounge was conceptualised by THA Assistant Secretary of Community Development, Megan Morrison, who first championed the initiative during her tenure as Assistant Secretary of Health. Ms. Morrison grew emotional as she shared her joy at seeing her vision come to life.
“No one should ever have to choose between food or menstrual products. That is an actual reality. It became abundantly clear that while immediate relief was necessary, one critical reality has been overlooked: the cost and access to menstrual health and hygiene products. That realisation became the seed that we see here today: the Health Hygiene Lounge.”
Secretary of Health Dr. Faith Brebnor noted there remains a stigma related to discussing the menstrual cycle in Tobago, and the Division, through this project, is working to address this and support women during these experiences.
“We need to figure out how to embrace it and how to ensure that on this island there is never shame, there are never negative feelings associated with it because it is a positive shock. How do you exclusively breastfeed when you are at a space like this for eight hours of the day? So it really was an honour to work with the team to get us to this point.”
The lounge will also provide menstrual products with services accessible to both staff and clients of the Division. In addition, a new baby changing station has been installed in the female washroom. Officials are hopeful that private sector entities will follow suit with similar initiatives.