The Camogie Association launches “Period Power” campaign, distributing over 600 Period Packs to clubs nationwide
The Camogie Association has launched its “Period Power” campaign, an initiative designed to champion the health and well-being of female athletes and foster a more open and supportive environment within the sport.
This campaign marks phase two of the successful Female Athlete Initiative, building on the foundation laid by the Female Athlete Toolkit introduced earlier this year.
To date over 600 period packs have been delivered to Camogie clubs nationwide, for use by their U14 teams.
Included in these packs are tampons and pads, sanitary disposal bags, hand sanitizer, the Female Athlete Toolkit, a letter to the club detailing the campaign as well as posters with further information about the toolkit.
These essential packs are designed to ensure that players have immediate access to period products whenever they are with their team, promoting comfort and confidence. While packs were sent to the U14 teams, The Camogie Association strongly encourages all clubs to secure a period pack for every youth and adult team, extending this crucial support across all age groups.
The campaign aims to:
1.Making period products readily available to players: By distributing Period Packs, The Camogie Association is directly addressing a practical need, ensuring that access to period products is no longer a barrier to participation or comfort for its athletes.
2.Educating members on female athlete-specific topics: The campaign integrates the comprehensive Female Athlete Toolkit, developed in collaboration with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and SHE Research at TUS. This vital resource, included in every Period Pack and accessible via a QR code, provides crucial insights into managing the unique health and performance challenges faced by female athletes. Players, coaches, and parents are strongly encouraged to utilise this valuable educational tool.
3.Creating an open environment for discussing periods: Recent player welfare research by The Camogie Association highlighted the critical need for a safe and comfortable space for athletes to discuss their periods. "Period Power" aims to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation, normalising conversations and fostering an environment where athletes feel empowered to speak openly, ultimately enhancing their well-being and performance.
Uachtarán an Chumainn Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy, said: “The Period Power campaign represents a step forward in our unwavering commitment to the holistic well-being of our female athletes. We believe that by providing practical resources, comprehensive education, and fostering an open dialogue, we can empower our players and ensure that every individual feels supported and confident on and off the pitch. This initiative is about removing barriers and ensuring that players never feel uncomfortable or sidelined.”
The Camogie Association is calling on all clubs to share photos of their teams receiving their Period Packs on social media, tagging The Camogie Association and using the hashtags #PeriodPower and #BreakTheStigma. This collective effort will amplify the message and contribute to a broader cultural shift within Camogie and Irish sport as a whole.