Way back in 2018 we launched our Period Dignity University Scheme to champion free access to period care products in Uni/Student Union bathrooms.
The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have escalated the period dignity problem that we already face on a global scale. Plan International UK surveyed girls and women during lockdown between the ages of 14-21 and almost one-third said they were struggling to access or afford these products.
Free access to period care products at university
By supplying free period care products in student bathrooms, universities can play a role in supporting periods in the student community. We believe that a provision of tampons, pads or access to menstrual cups or reusable pads, not only makes a period powerful statement (periods exist and products are available to you, in the same way that toilet paper is). A free provision is also a positive step to ensuring that nobody endures the stress and discomfort of not having anything suitable to use when bleeding. Or must skip classes or leave a class early due to not having products to hand.
We’re super excited to see that so many universities are championing period dignity and supporting students in this way. We’ve been fortunate to work with several universities including Cardiff University Students Union who launched their period dignity project in 2020 which focuses “not only on the financial and educational side of things but wants to ensure all of those who menstruate can do it with dignity.”
So, who’s signed up in 2021?
As part of our Period Dignity University Scheme we offer our 100% organic cotton tampons and pads in self-serve bathroom boxes. These are designed to make access to period products free and easy, whilst also helping Uni’s to supply products that reduce waste and are climate neutral.
Here are some of the period powerful universities and colleges that have signed up to our scheme in 2021:
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- University of Exeter
- Queen’s University Belfast
- London South Bank University
- Royal Veterinary College
- Royal College of Music
- Magdalene College (Cambridge university)
- University of Portsmouth student Union UPSU
- Belfast School of Art – Ulster University
- Bangor University
If you’re looking to support period dignity in your university and want to learn more about our scheme, please complete our form here and we’ll get back to you.
