The University of Auckland’s Student Wellbeing teams’ new initiative looks to provide and promote sustainable sanitary products free of charge.
Sustainable products such as menstrual cups and reusable pads will be available (within product stock means) for free from Student Hubs on City Campus (General Library), Grafton Campus, Epsom Campus, Te Papa Ako o Tai Tonga, and Te Papa Ako o Tai Tokerau. Tampons and disposable pads are also available to students, the products a student can get are based on personal preference and needs. The Wellbeing team says, “we want all our students to have access to free period products that suit their preferences”.
Period Poverty is becoming an issue in Aotearoa, particularly among University students. A survey conducted by the Student Wellbeing team showed that from a sample size of 146 students, 13% regularly struggled to afford period products and 36.3% occasionally struggled to afford period products. These statistics were higher than the reported national average. Consumer NZ lists the average price for a box of tampons as $4.63, which need to be replaced regularly, and the upfront cost for a menstrual cup can be between $35-$50 according to Family Planning.
94% of the participants in the study also said they would consider a menstrual cup, which would provide a longer-term solution to Period Poverty. University of Auckland Science student, Ella, says, “This is such a cool initiative, and it’s really in touch with student needs right now considering how expensive it costs to live. We shouldn’t have to pay for period products, and whilst the government is helping in schools it’s great that the Wellbeing team are following suit and being sustainable.”
Go and collect your free products from the Student Hubs and you can tell them you’re there for your ‘monthly meeting’ for more discretion.
