FOR WOMEN, they are as essential as a supply of toilet paper. But their higher price tag can put an adequate supply of period products out of reach for those on limited incomes.
Which is why the Technological University of the Shannon Students’ Union and TUS SU welfare working group have been lobbying with the University to secure a provision of funding to support their ending period poverty initiative across all TUS campuses.
With the support of the Vice President for Student Education and Experience, Frances O’ Connell, they succeeded successfully in securing €10,000 towards the initiative.
Speaking on the initiative, Niall Naughton, President of TUS Students’ Union, said: “On average, women or individuals who menstruate will have 450 periods over their lifetime, which equals 3,500 days spent menstruating. That’s over 10,000 period products in one lifetime.”
“The lack of access to affordable menstrual products poses a significant barrier for young women pursuing their education, hindering their ability to thrive academically and contribute fully to society.
“In a country that prides itself on its progressive values and commitment to equality, it is high time we tackle this injustice head-on, even from a local level.
“No woman or individual should be forced to choose between their education and their menstrual health. It is not just an issue of hygiene, it is an issue of human rights and gender equality.”
The campaign has now marked a significant milestone for the community of TUS by fully funding sanitary products across all TUS campuses.
“This collaborative approach by the Students Union and University is key in providing our students and staff with free accessible sanitary products and ending the stigma and barriers,” Mr Naughton said.
“We can only hope that other higher education institutes follow a similar approach and recognise how fundamental free sanitary products are for the people in our society.’’
