WRDA and Menstruation Matters Join Forces to Champion Students’ Rights
7 January 2026 – The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) and Menstruation Matters have launched a new survey to shed light on the issue of restricted bathroom access in schools across Northern Ireland. The survey, closing at 5pm on Friday, 13th February 2026, seeks input from pupils, parents, and medical professionals to gather information in the extent and impact of bathroom access restrictions in our schools.
Access to toilet facilities is a human right, yet reports continue to surface of students being denied this right during school hours. Such restrictions can force pupils to miss valuable class time, risk bathroom accidents, and force students to disclose unnecessary personal medical details to schools. These measures may also place undue pressure on NHS services, in cases where students are asked to provide doctor's notes for bathroom access.
WRDA and Menstruation Matters intend to quantify the scale of this problem and understand its impact on students, the school environment, and healthcare professionals. The survey aims to gather evidence that will support recommendations to the Departments of Health and Education, as well as the Education Authority, advocating for school environments that respect the human rights of young people.
“Access to toilets is a matter of dignity and privacy, and a human right. Too often we hear that some schools, especially secondary schools, heavily restrict students’ access to toilets during class time. Considering that children are in school for a large part of the day, this becomes a significant issue meaning children are sometimes choosing between going to school and risking the humiliation of accidents, period leaks, etc. Access to toilets is a human rights issue, and we want to advocate for young people to the decision makers who can make a difference. By taking part, you can help us to do that effectively.” – Elaine Crory, Women’s Sector Lobbyist
"Periods don’t pause for class - and neither do basic bodily needs. Students deserve the dignity and agency to use the toilet for periods or any other health need. Some schools call this ‘disruptive,’ but surely student wellbeing and dignity must come first. Access to toilets is a basic right, not something that should come with conditions or a doctor’s note.” - Katrina McDonnell, Director of Menstruation Matters
The survey is open to:
Pupils attending schools in Northern Ireland
Parents and guardians of school-aged children
GPs and medical practitioners working in Northern Ireland
All responses are confidential and may be anonymised for inclusion in the final report and in communications with decision-makers. The findings will be unveiled at a special event in March 2026, and will underpin efforts to lobby for policy reforms that uphold every student’s right to safe and accessible bathroom facilities.
Have your say and help shape the future of our schools by completing the survey.
Download the flyer for your school, GP’s surgery, or parent’s group.
For further information, please contact:
Elaine Crory, Women’s Sector Lobbyist – elaine.crory@wrda.net
Katrina McDonnell, Menstruation Matters – info@menstruation-matters.co.uk
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