Do you feel like things regarding period poverty have changed at UvA since our last article? Well, you might not see it, but there has been some progress, and we are here to update you!

Quick recap: Period poverty affects around 500 million people in the world and refers to deficient access ‘to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these.’ For instance, period poverty hinders people from ‘participat[ing] in all aspects of life,’ such as going to university also, due to the impact that period poverty has on mental capacity. This problem stays consistent. But UvA lacks in tackling it as well as taking measures in stopping stigmatization around menstruation. 

However, via a letter sent to us, the Central Student Council (CSR) aims to pressure the Executive Board to take their student’s well-being more into consideration by gaining significant recognition. Moreover, the CSR expresses frustration regarding the lack of open conversation. Therefore, they aim to ‘break this barrier and do [their] part to make this topic comfortable and open to a conversation regardless of the situation.‘

In the past year, the council tried to implement free hygiene products in all UvA bathrooms. But according to the CSR, due to the current Dutch law and the decision of the Executive Board, such an implementation was not possible. So, the CSR had to pick a new strategy––although they had to compromise––by offering menstrual products in vending machines in ‘an accessible and cost-effective manner’ on every campus. The student council reveals in their letter that they are ‘committed to students’ mental health, security, and comfort.’ So in cooperation with the Executive Board, they try to develop a safe space for menstruating people on campus.’ The pressure is especially on since other establishments like Erasmus, Utrecht University, and Vrije University have already participated in tackling period poverty. 

Since the last article, the student party 020 has shared its survey results regarding period poverty. The outcomes show that people who menstruate experience restrictions in their everyday life, as around 79% have cancelled plans before due to period pains. Moreover, the agony of period cramps is common and limiting since over 90% have taken painkillers to manage the pain. Or 91% of the people fear ‘publicly menstruating’ (e.g., leaking or being seen with sanitary products), which might also be because of the taboo that over 50% of the people think exists. 

The student party handed the outcomes over to their candidate at the CSR, so it can be worked on at a central level. Noor Vissram, Internal Director of 020, explains that the outcome of the survey demonstrates that the students care about this problem and want change. Moreover, they ‘show how this project can be executed and should be executed!’