London region clubs set to be stocked with free period products

Boxing clubs across the London region are set to be stocked with free period products thanks to a new partnership between social enterprise Hey Girls and waste management and recycling company Powerday.

Six clubs with the highest rates of female participation are taking part in an initial trial of the scheme, with Afewee Boxing Club, Churchill’s Boxing Gym, Haringey Boxing Club, Islington Boxing Club, Repton ABC and Powerday Hooks ABC all chosen to benefit.

Hey Girls operates on a “buy one, donate one” model, donating one box of products to community partners for every one purchased.

Powerday will donate half of the products supplied, with Hey Girls donating the rest.

“For too long some people have been excluded from sport because of something as natural as their period,” said Daisy Williams, Partner and Contracts Manager at Hey Girls. “It is awful that people across the UK feel forced to give up on the things they love because they cannot afford period products. More needs to be done to keep them enjoying happy and active lives.

“We hope our free products will inspire young boxers to stay in the sport they love. All of us at Hey Girls are so grateful for the support of Powerday and cannot wait to see the boxers excel.”

All Hey Girls products are chemical-free and biodegradable or reusable, making them safe for both people and the environment.

It has so far donated more than 25 million products since launch in 2018 by Celia Hodson, who had experienced the hardships of period poverty alongside daughters Kate and Bec.

The Powerday Foundation, the charitable arm of Powerday, already supports young boxers through funding, annual bursaries and individual, club and event sponsorships.

It released its five-year strategy last year, which includes increasing the participation rate of young girls and women within sport, with this partnership helping to break down a barrier for young girls and women to participate in boxing.

Powerday has also supported Dale Youth’s (formerly located in Grenfell Tower) class schedule to include religious protocols to expand participants.

Shannon Courtenay, professional boxer and Powerday Foundation Ambassador (pictured boxing for Islington in her amateur days, said: “I am delighted to see this initiative being taken up across boxing clubs in London. The support will make a real difference to female participants across the sport.

“I personally know the effects and strain that periods can cause to female athletes and training, so it is great to see this support and awareness being brought into the clubs.

“When you think of period poverty, you just don’t imagine it happening here in the UK. With one in four women not having access to products, it breaks my heart to imagine them having to miss something they love i.e. weekly boxing classes and training because of this.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of giving them access to these essential items through the Powerday Foundation and London Boxing.”

Reggie Hagland, Manager at Islington Boxing, one of the clubs to benefit from the scheme, added: “When we displayed the free products, the feedback was very positive from our ladies, and they were all very pleased with the offer of free essentials if/when needed.

“We also had another club in Norwich follow suit and make their own display after we shared it on social media so it’s great to be a part of a project that is making a better space for young girls and women in boxing.”

Hey Girls products are available in a number of high street stores and on their website: www.heygirls.co.uk.