"Access to period products should not depend on financial circumstances. The 'Red Box' project makes an important contribution to more equality in the health sector and we at BIPA are proud to make an important contribution to the fight against period poverty together with the City of Vienna and through our BIPA brand BI COMFORT products," says Markus Geyer, Managing Director of BIPA.
„Zusammenhalten hilft in der Regel“ ("Sticking together usually helps")
Under this claim, BIPA and the City of Vienna cooperate to create access to free menstrual products for people affected by poverty. Caregivers of the participating social institutions distribute voucher booklets with which one package of "Red Box pads" or one package of "Red Box tampons" of the BIPA brand BI COMFORT is provided free of charge per person per month. The quality of period products has a direct impact on well-being and health, which is why BI COMFORT's range is characterized by high quality. The "Red Box" packs are available for purchase in BIPA stores in Vienna and in the online store as Click&Collect with pick-up in Vienna. In this case, 0.50€ per product will be donated to fight period poverty.
"The Red Box is being rolled out across the whole of Vienna. Because: no woman or girl should be faced with the question of whether she can afford tampons and pads. This is a basic need. That is why the Red Box is such an important and right measure. The Red Box is a solidarity contribution by the City of Vienna and BIPA against period poverty. It is also a call for solidarity with women. Because you can also buy the Red Box - and support women who cannot afford period products," says Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Women Kathrin Gaál.
"Poverty has many facets and as a social city councillor it is a central concern of mine to develop effective measures against it. With the Red Box, we support girls and women who have to turn over every euro three times anyway. Even in a rich country like Austria, there are people who find it difficult to meet basic needs financially. Together we can do something about this - and I am very pleased that we were able to win BIPA as a partner for this," says Health and Social Affairs City Councilor Peter Hacker.
Successful pilot project
The successful pilot project "Red Box" started in October 2021 and ran for four months in cooperation with the district of Brigittenau. In the course of this, the aim was to raise awareness of and remove the taboo surrounding period poverty. It also aimed to better understand the needs of low-income menstruating individuals and their menstrual hygiene. The valuable experience gained in terms of organization and implementation during this time now allows an effective measure against period poverty to be rolled out throughout Vienna.
BIPA takes on social responsibility
Products:
"Red box pads" 1,49 €
"Red box tampons“ 1,49 €
