Let’s talk about a groundbreaking initiative in recreational cricket that’s changing the game for women and girls. Initial and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have joined forces to tackle an often-overlooked issue in sports: period dignity. The second window of the partnership is now open for new clubs to apply, which means that even more positive change is on the horizon.
Since September 2023, the partnership has provided circa 500 grassroots cricket clubs with a girls’ section with Initial In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispensers along with the free installation and servicing of sanitary bins (period waste bins). The aim is for a further 500 clubs to now benefit from the offer as well.
Initial and the ECB Partnership: A step towards inclusivity
This partnership isn’t just about providing menstrual products – it’s about reshaping the culture of cricket clubs across England and Wales to be more inclusive and supportive of women and girls.
The lack of access to period products can be a critical barrier to participation. For many women and girls, managing periods during sports activities can be a source of stress and discomfort. As Sessay CC Emeralds director Charlotte Pipes put it, “If you want to get younger girls into your club, then steps like this are so important.”
How the offer has benefited Houghton and Wyton Cricket Club
After becoming aware of the offer to install In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispensers, period products and sanitary waste collection services, Houghton and Wyton Cricket Club committee signed up.
They thought that their building ‘The Pavillion’, which is owned and coordinated by the Parish Council, would benefit tremendously as the facilities at The Pavillion were quite basic.
In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispensers with free menstrual products were installed in their facilities. This one simple step ensured that members always had what they needed on hand, taking away their anxiety and possible disturbances during practice or a game.
A Houghton and Wyton Cricket Club committee member commented:
“After installation of the products, I took time to visit the women’s toilets, the new dispensers full of free period products, and the information posters look terrific. The overall appearance is professional and has really enhanced our washrooms for the girls and women who use them.
We recently had our first game of the season and these facilities were greatly appreciated!
I am also pleased to report that our first waste delivery collection happened on time, as promised, with zero issues.”
Setting a new standard: Prioritising period dignity in sports
The partnership between Initial and the ECB sets a new standard for inclusivity in sports. We are not changing the game, but instead changing lives by delivering period-friendly facilities.
The real benefits of putting period dignity first in sport? It’s not just about ensuring period products are available at the point of need, but fostering an atmosphere that is welcoming and supportive where menstruation is seen as an everyday fact of life. We believe that no girl, or woman, should be held back from playing the sport they love. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Clubs with a girls’ section and clubs with women’s section are now both eligible to apply for the free offer up to 30 August 2024.
Contact your local Women’s and Girl’s Cricket Development Officers if you want to apply.
Eligibility criteria apply*
*Clubs with a girls’ section are defined as having a minimum of one girls’ team playing soft ball or hard ball cricket, league or friendly, indoors, or outdoors as evidenced on Play-Cricket or captured via the County Women’s & Girls’ Clubs & Teams Audit in 2023/24.
*Clubs with a women’s section are defined as having a minimum of one women’s team playing soft ball or hard ball cricket, league or friendly, indoors, or outdoors as evidenced on Play-Cricket or captured via the County Women’s & Girls’ Clubs & Teams Audit in 2023/24.
Leave a Reply