Safer Than a Tampon ridicules regulation inequalities

As International Women’s Day rolls around and we are all once again reminded of some of the striking structural gender inequalities, a campaign from tampon care company TOTM is shining a light on the lack of regulation in tampons. 

The campaign ‘Safer Than a Tampon’ calls on comparison to reveal that tampons, a product that half the population is expected to insert inside their bodies, are less regulated than sausages, candles, and even cigarettes.  

The punchy campaign, created with the help of creative agency Joan London, is calling for action and encouraging audiences to sign a petition calling for effective tampon safety regulations. 

Currently, tampons are still listed as a consumer product, meaning there are no requirements for any tampon company to disclose what ingredients they use or to test the products for pesticides. The campaign is seeking 100,000 signatures, the minimum number to be considered for debate in Parliament.

The simple but striking creative contrasts tampons with other, everyday but more heavily regulated items to ridicule the current lack of regulation and force audiences to recognise how wrong it is. From balloons to sausages, the spots are designed to outrage and spark conversations. Tampon users should not have to take risks when it comes to their bodies. 

Though primarily targeted at women and those who menstruate, the campaign calls on the wider public to help end health inequalities and sign the petition. 

The simplistic campaign, though humorous, is rooted in a chilling truth that regulation within feminine hygiene products has been too long forgotten. Products used inside vaginas don’t have as many protections and assurances as sausages. Joan London and TOTM are pushing for change.  

A powerful reminder of how creativity can successfully champion change.