Free Period Products on Campus

Access to free menstrual products as a backup when needed is an important step towards more equal opportunities and participation. The project was launched by the AStA in collaboration with the Department of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. In July, dispenser boxes with free menstrual products were installed in four restrooms on campus.

“Menstruation is a burden for students, both physically and emotionally, which makes it considerably more difficult to cope with everyday student life. The provision of free menstrual products at universities helps to break down barriers, promote participation and create equal opportunities in everyday student life,” says Yagmur Yeic. The student equal opportunity commissioner played a key role in initiating the project and moved it forward with great dedication.

The menstrual product dispensers were installed in the following restrooms: A5 Library, A3 Library, Schloss Mittelbau (entrance left, near PwC lecture hall M003) and in the Ostflügel of the Schloss (near the Campus Shop). Where permitted by fire safety regulations, the dispensers were installed in front of the toilets or alternatively at the exit of the women's toilets to allow access to the products for trans and non-binary persons.

This was implemented by the Department of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. The project is funded by the President's Office. An initial term of one year is planned. The pilot project will then be evaluated by the AStA and – depending on the results – developed further.