‘Woke' rail company fails to mention women in free tampon scheme
A train company has failed to mention women or females in a free tampon scheme.
Avanti West Coast instead referred to 'customers' and 'people' who may benefit from the rollout of the toiletries.
On Wednesday, the train company announced that free period care would be available on its trains. The Package for a Friend scheme, which coincides with Menstrual Hygiene Day, allows 'customers' to request pads from staff in the onboard shop.
Alternatively, the company said travellers could place an order on their click and collect service to discreetly pick up goods from a member of staff without having to ask.
It said the scheme was thought of following suggestions from employees, including those involved in the operator's Gender Network, to 'help customers when in need'.
Kathryn O'Brien, the customer experience director at Avanti West Coast, said: 'We want everyone to have a comfortable journey when travelling with us, and know the importance of making essential items available on board our trains to enable this.
'So we're pleased to now be offering free period care, and hope our customers will feel reassured they can access them when they need during their journey.'
However, the official release made no mention of women or females, with critics accusing Avanti of being 'extremely offensive' to women.
Mary Howden, of the Women's Rights Network, told The Telegraph: 'While it is commendable that Avanti West Coast is offering its customers period products, it is disappointing that it fails to acknowledge that those customers will all be women.
'The erosion of language that relates only to women is not inclusive. It is clumsy and often unclear, and many women find it extremely offensive.'
It is understood that Avanti West Coast used the term 'customers' to make sure travellers know that the free period products made available are available to all.
It comes after the company was accused of 'virtue-signalling nonsense' after repainting one of its trains in diversity-themed livery.
The train was painted in bold artwork celebrating the diversity of its workforce and the communities it serves. However, the move sparked a backlash as Gareth Bacon, the shadow transport secretary, claimed passengers deserved 'better than this farce'.
An Avanti spokesman declined to comment when approached by The Telegraph.
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