A pilot programme launched this week will see period products freely available at a number of locations around University of Galway in a bid to tackle period poverty among students and staff.
The scheme stems from an initiative launched by the University of Galway Students' Union in 2017 to help address the serious financial pressures and taboos faced by students who menstruate.
The university is now funding and supporting the pilot programme to supply more free items in locations across campus for those who need them.
The high cost of period products and the societal stigma which can still be attached to menstruation can lead to exclusion, mental health impacts and the use of unsuitable alternatives by those who menstruate. This programme aims to combat these issues and foster an inclusive, open campus with access for all.
“Period poverty and hygiene poverty are very real issues for our 19,000 student members," said Students’ Union vice president/welfare officer Izzy Tiernan. "We are delighted that the university is supporting this pilot programme. We are calling on the Government to act now on the Period Poverty in Ireland Report from February 2021. Students have enough financial worries as it is with the cost of living crisis and spiraling rents, and we firmly believe the Government needs to mitigate the cost of these essential healthcare products for all.”
Josephine Walsh, head of student engagement at University of Galway, added: “Student Services at the University are delighted to be able to support the Students’ Union on this important initiative and policy for students. It is symbolic recognition by the university of the very real issues that our students face, and even more so we know it will make a very real difference in their lives.”
The products are available at several locations on the university campus: Áras na Mac Léinn (SU office and the ground floor ladies' toilet; Áras Moyola (ladies' toilet, ground floor ); the library basement (SU cloakroom and Ladies' toilet ); the engineering building (foyer ); the Arts/Science concourse (beside the Student Enquiry Centre ); and the Arts Millennium Building (ladies' toilet, ground floor ).
“We are proud of the initiative that was taken by our students and their representatives, and as a university we are delighted that we are able to follow their lead and support efforts to alleviate cost and the effects of period poverty," said Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway's deputy president and registrar. "Our new policy of free period products at University of Galway is a strong symbol of progress and how we can work together, with our students, to ensure better outcomes and respond to need.”
