Menstrual hygiene is a basic human right. All students deserve to attend classes comfortably and without fear of lacking access to necessary sanitary products. Whilst UK law states that sanitary product provision is accessible to those in school or college, Higher Education institutions are being left behind. With the current cost of living crisis, students are becoming unable to afford both hygiene products and food: this is a crisis that should not have to happen.
I believe that no one's studies or work should be impacted by not having access to period products. The University of Central Lancashire should stand up to period poverty and provide sanitary products to students across their campuses. They should fight alongside fellow universities to end the battle that women face daily.
Universities in England that currently provide sanitary products for their staff and students:
- King's College London
- University of Bath
- University of Leeds
- University of Birmingham
- University of Nottingham
- University of York
- University of Manchester
- University of Arts London
- Liverpool John Moore University
Our university is known for its compassion, ranking top of the league table for student support in 2020. To further support their students, they should follow the lead of their Student's Union and make period products readily available campus-wide without shame or stigma.