14 November 2023

Being able to buy period products every month is not a given for everyone. Even within our university community, there are those who sometimes lack the money for sanitary pads or tampons. This is called period poverty and can result in someone having to go to class without period products, causing a lot of inconvenience, or even staying at home out of shame.

Leiden University believes it is important to provide a safe, accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students. Therefore, as of November 1, period products have been made available in the SchoolSupply vending machines for 50 cents. This way, the university aims to contribute to a learning environment where menstruation is not a barrier to participation in education.

The number of vending machines has been expanded so that they are available in all major education buildings, Plexus Student Centre and the University Library. Want to know where the nearest vending machine is? Then check the university website for a list of facilities. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Office at diversiteit@leidenuniv.nl.

Want to know more?

Want to know more about this project? Then read the interview with master’s student Ella Picavet from the University Council. ‘It’s really just like providing toilet paper’.