Emirates Stadium provides women with free sanitary products

Since October, the Emirates Stadium has been providing free sanitary products in the women’s bathrooms.

Arsenal’s home stadium has joined other Premier League stadiums such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City in offering free sanitary products in the women’s bathrooms.

The first Premier League stadium to offer free sanitary products in the women’s bathroom was Brighton’s home stadium (the American Express Stadium) in 2018.

Arsenal supporter, Teah Foreman, 19, said: “It’s a comfort because we’ve all had those moments where you’re in public and your period starts and you’ve got nothing you can do.

“A period isn’t embarrassing but it’s uncomfortable.”

“It lets you know that you are valued as a woman.”

This change is important because a menstrual cycle is natural for women yet sanitary products are very expensive which can become a burden for many.

Foreman felt this change could encourage more women to become Arsenal season ticket holders, as it may makes them want to support the Emirates stadium.

Foreman said: “I want to support people who are empowering women, who are empowering the industry and gender equality as much as they are for men and women.”

In the past, football was recognised as a male-dominated sport.

Foreman said: “You start being told in school, particularly by boys, but by everyone, girls don’t play football.”

Foreman said in the past football has been centred around the male experience, so the introduction of purposely offering free sanitary products in the women’s bathroom lets women know that they are welcome as well.

Trust for London revealed that one in five people in the UK who menstruate are struggling to afford period products.

YouGov states that one in eight people in the UK who menstruate are likely to struggle to afford sanitary products in the next year.

The Emirate Stadium’s decision to provide free sanitary products in the women’s bathroom can positively affect the lives of many female supporters by reducing period poverty.

Arsenal F.C. has been reached for comment.