ÐßÐßÊÓƵ

Free sanitary products will be offered across ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Leicester (ÐßÐßÊÓƵ) as part of a new campaign to tackle period poverty.

The university is working with De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) on the initiative after research showed one in three women in the Leicester cannot afford sanitary products.

It is increasingly recognised that good menstrual health is an essential component to wellbeing and lack of access to sanitary products can negatively impact a woman’s life.

So, to help improve female wellbeing across the university, ÐßÐßÊÓƵ has launched a campaign with ‘Hey Girls’- a community interest company committed to eradicating period poverty in the UK, by providing free access to sanitary products across campus.

From October, sanitary products will be made available free of charge in 95 accessible/gender neutral toilets, as well as at most reception desks.

And for every sanitary product purchased by the university, Hey Girls has made a pledge to match it with a further donation.

Yasmin Ali from ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Women said: “ÐßÐßÊÓƵ Women is delighted to support the collaboration between ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, DSU and Hey Girls.

“Period poverty has a significant impact on education, work, health and well-being and we are really proud that the university and DSU are breaking taboos in order to highlight this issue and to provide practical help and support to women to improve health inequalities.”

Penni Robson Chief Executive Officer at DSU said: “After a year-long campaign to introduce free sanitary products across campus, the DSU team are really pleased to see this initiative being rolled out. The positive impact it will have cannot be underestimated, and we are proud to have played our part in driving forward the project.”

ÐßÐßÊÓƵ is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of its staff and students with many platforms already available through HealthyÐßÐßÊÓƵ, ranging from quick access to appointments, activities and hints and tips about staying well.