University to offer free sanitary items across its campus
A CAMPAIGN by students has led to De Montfort University offering free sanitary products across its campus to tackle period poverty.
The university is working with its student union on the initiative in response to research that showed one in three women in Leicester cannot afford sanitary products.
Leicester is one of the worst cities in the UK for period poverty, according to research published in 2019.
That is why, from October, sanitary products will be made available, free of charge in 95 accessible and gender-neutral toilets across the university, as well as at most reception desks.
The offer is available to all students and DMU staff.
It comes after a year-long campaign by De Montfort Student’ Union (DSU) to introduce the free products.
Penni Robson, chief executive officer at DSU, said: “After a year-long campaign, the DSU team are really pleased to see this initiative being rolled out.
“The positive impact it will have cannot be underestimated, and we are proud to have played our part in driving forward the project.”
The term “period poverty” is also used to refer to a lack of access to education around menstruation.
Campaigners such as the community interest company Hey Girls - which DMU has worked with on the campaign - have highlighted the negative impact period poverty can have on mental wellbeing, education and more. For every sanitary product purchased by the university, Hey Girls has made a pledge to match it with a further donation.
Yasmin Ali, from DMU Women, said: “DMU Women is delighted to support the collaboration between DMU, DSU and Hey Girls. “Period poverty has a significant impact on education, work, health and wellbeing and we are really proud the university and DSU are breaking taboos in order to highlight this issue and to provide practical help and support to women to improve health inequalities.”
Leicester College made a similar move when it introduced free sanitary products across all three of its campuses in the city in May.
In April, supermarket giant Morrisons also introduced free period product packs in stores across the UK.
CAMPAIGN BY STUDENTS TO TACKLE PERIOD POVERTY
Period poverty has a significant impact on education, work, health and wellbeing
Yasmin Ali, of DMU Women