Why Menstrual Health Matters for African Immigrants and Refugees in Toronto

Intersectionality of culture and menstrual health

When African immigrants and refugees arrive in Toronto, they bring with them rich traditions but also inherited silences around menstruation and reproductive health. Canada’s universal healthcare, free menstrual products in some schools, and open discourse on sexual and reproductive health are a far cry from the realities many grew up with. Still, cultural beliefs and stigma don’t vanish at the airport.

For African women and girls in Toronto, managing their periods and asserting body autonomy often means navigating two conflicting realities: the cultural expectations of their families and communities, and the rights-based, individual-centered culture of their new home.

• African Cultural Norms Persist After Migration

In Toronto’s African immigrant communities — Somali, Ghanaian, Nigerian, Congolese, Ethiopian, and more — many of the same taboos and myths surrounding menstruation continue.

Silence & Shame: Many girls are still taught that menstruation is a private matter, not to be discussed, even with close family. Some mothers may avoid detailed conversations, leaving daughters confused or fearful when they first menstruate — even in Canada.

Myths About Products: Beliefs that tampons or menstrual cups harm virginity are still common, making girls reluctant to use free products available in schools or clinics.

Fear of Judgment: Girls may avoid participating in gym class, swimming, or after-school activities during their period, worried about leaks or gossip — especially in multicultural classrooms where they already feel different.

Community Pressure: Families and religious leaders may discourage open conversations about SRHR or reject what they perceive as “Western” practices, even when these improve health and autonomy.

For many, these pressures create a sense of isolation — caught between two sets of expectations.

• Barriers in a Resource-Rich City

Toronto has resources many African girls could only dream of back home — free pads in schools, sexual health clinics, multicultural health programs — yet barriers remain:

Lack of Culturally-Aware Education: While sex-ed is mandatory in Ontario schools, some students are excused by their parents or simply disengage because it feels culturally irrelevant or uncomfortable.

Language and Literacy: For newly arrived refugee women, language barriers make it hard to understand health information or navigate the healthcare system.

Financial Strain: Some women and families still can’t afford menstrual products if they’re on tight budgets, especially if they have specific preferences like cloth pads.

Institutional Gaps: Shelters, resettlement agencies, and healthcare facilities don’t always offer products or information in a culturally sensitive way.

Even when materials are available, they’re not always explained in ways that respect cultural and religious beliefs — which can reinforce feelings of alienation.

• Stories from the Community

Many girls and women in Toronto describe similar experiences:

A 15-year-old Somali newcomer skipped swim class every month rather than explain she was on her period — her classmates thought she just didn’t want to join.

A Congolese refugee mother was given tampons at a shelter but threw them away, convinced they were harmful and unsure how to ask for pads instead.

A Ghanaian woman in her 20s learned about menstrual cups from a Canadian coworker but hesitated to try them until she spoke privately to a community health worker who explained in her own language. Several refugee shelters and communities have requested a reduced number of demand in tampons and menstrual cups.

These stories show that while Toronto offers opportunities, the transition takes time — and support.

• Empowerment & Progress

Fortunately, Toronto is also home to many community organizations and initiatives addressing these challenges head-on.

Workshops & Education: Groups like Rafiki Bridge, Black Creek Community Health Centre, and Women’s Health in Women’s Hands provide culturally-informed workshops on menstrual hygiene and body autonomy. These sessions often bring mothers and daughters together to break the silence.

Free Products in Schools & Shelters: Toronto District School Board now provides free pads and tampons in all schools. Shelters serving refugee families stock menstrual products and increasingly offer multilingual information.

Youth-Led Conversations: African-Canadian youth leaders are organizing peer-led programs to talk about periods and reproductive health without judgment — even involving boys to reduce stigma.

Healthcare Support: Many clinics in Toronto have staff trained in cultural competency, offering women a safe place to ask questions about their bodies.

Why This Matters

Menstrual health is more than hygiene — it’s about dignity, agency, and equality. When African newcomer girls and women in Toronto are empowered to understand their bodies, access products, and speak without fear, they can fully participate in school, work, and community life.

Breaking taboos is hard, but possible. In Toronto, with its diversity and resources, African immigrants and refugees can learn to blend the meaningful parts of their cultural heritage with the rights and freedoms of their new home — creating a healthier, more confident generation of women and girls.