Dominique's research advances menstrual health and period product choice in Scotland
Having just celebrated her graduation from Queen Margaret University (QMU) last week, Dominique Haig is already making an impact through research that is helping to inform policy and practice around menstrual health and period poverty in Scotland.
Dominique, from Edinburgh, received her MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health after completing a dissertation that examined institutional barriers to the uptake of reusable period products following the introduction of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Her findings were subsequently developed into policy briefs for educational settings and policymakers and published in the journal ‘Women's Reproductive Health’.
During her studies at QMU's Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), Dominique developed a strong interest in menstrual health and equity. Her research focused on improving awareness, accessibility and choice around reusable period products, recognising the importance of menstrual autonomy and ensuring that everyone who menstruates can access products and support that meet their needs.
Reflecting on her time at QMU, Dominique said:
Studying at the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was constantly inspired by my lecturers and fellow students, and I valued the opportunity to explore areas of global health that genuinely interested me, with a particular focus on menstrual health.
"The research-informed and experience-based teaching provided a strong foundation for my future work. IGHD created a real sense of community and truly embodied the idea of a global department, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences.
"The support I received from across the university throughout my studies, and beyond completing my degree, has been invaluable. I learned so much during my time at QMU, and I am incredibly grateful that it was the place where I began my professional journey."
Dominique's dissertation explored how institutions are implementing Scotland's world-leading legislation on free period product provision and identified factors that can affect awareness and uptake of reusable products. By translating her findings into practical policy recommendations, she hopes to support organisations in offering greater choice and improving access to sustainable menstrual health options.
Alongside her menstrual health work, Dominique is currently completing a placement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), contributing to a thematic group focused on substance use in emergency settings - an important but under-researched area of global health.
Looking ahead, Dominique hopes to continue working across research, advocacy and policy, bringing together her interests in menstrual health, equity and global health to improve health experiences and outcomes for people in diverse contexts.
Dominique's work demonstrates the power of research to address real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful policy discussions. Her commitment to improving menstrual health equity and her ability to translate academic research into practical recommendations exemplify the values of the Institute for Global Health and Development. We are delighted to see her research reaching audiences beyond the university and wish her every success as she continues her career in global health, research and advocacy.
Dominique and her classmates were in good company at the QMU graduation ceremony on 6th July. They celebrated their success alongside human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her campaigning work to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, and to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM). Fatou is also a graduate of QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development.
For further media information, contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk)
