Improving Student Well-being and Making Campuses and Schools More Inclusive Through Free Pad and Tampon Dispensers

Access to menstrual products in schools and universities is no longer just a public health issue it has become a matter of social justice, well-being, and inclusivity. At a time when period poverty continues to affect millions of young people around the world, the free provision of pads and tampons through feminine hygiene dispenser  installed in schools, middle and high schools, and universities represents a major step forward. It not only improves the daily lives of menstruating students but also helps break down taboos and promotes equal opportunities.

Improving Student Well-being Through Pad and Tampon Dispensers in Educational Institutions

A Public Health Issue

Menstruation is a normal part of the biological cycle for half of the world’s population. Yet many young girls lack adequate, consistent, or dignified access to menstrual products, leading to concrete consequences on their health, school attendance, and concentration.

According to a UNESCO study, 1 in 10 girls globally misses school during their period due to a lack of appropriate menstrual products. In France, an IFOP study (2021) revealed that nearly 13% of young women under 25 have already skipped or limited their attendance at school or university for reasons related to menstruation. These repeated absences can have a direct impact on academic success and self-esteem.

The presence of free sanitary product dispensers in schools helps remove a major barrier to education: the fear of getting one’s period unexpectedly or being unable to manage it in a dignified way.

Reducing Anxiety and Stigma

Having a period without access to pad dispenser can cause intense anxiety: fear of staining clothes, embarrassment in front of others, the need to leave class suddenly… These common situations affect concentration, classroom engagement, and overall well-being.

Tampon dispenser installed in school or university restrooms allow students to manage their periods discreetly, independently, and quickly. This reduces reliance on peers or staff, and helps avoid feelings of shame or discomfort.

Moreover, the very presence of sanitary pad dispenser sends a powerful message: menstruation is no longer taboo; it is recognized as a normal reality that must be considered in school infrastructure. This helps destigmatize the topic and fosters an environment where open dialogue is encouraged.

Combating Period Poverty

Period poverty is a specific form of financial insecurity, characterized by the lack of regular and sufficient access to menstrual products due to economic constraints. Among students often with no income or limited resources this issue is particularly acute.

According to a survey conducted by the French association Règles Élémentaires, nearly 1 in 3 female students has already had to choose between buying menstrual products or meeting another basic need (such as food or transportation). This reality has serious consequences: prolonged use of the same product, resorting to unsuitable alternatives (toilet paper, socks, newspapers…), infections, and discomfort.

Free access to products via period product dispenser is therefore a matter of social justice, on the same level as access to clean water or soap in restrooms. It ensures the dignity of menstruating students, regardless of their financial situation.

Making Campuses More Inclusive Through Free Sanitary Product Dispensers

A Step Toward Gender Equality

Inclusion goes beyond addressing practical needs it requires acknowledging existing inequalities and implementing corrective measures. The fact that only menstruating individuals mostly women bear the financial and emotional burden of managing their periods is a structural, often invisible, inequality.

Providing free menstrual products on campuses recognizes this imbalance and offers a concrete solution. It’s a meaningful step toward true gender equality in access to education and learning conditions.

Additionally, installing pad dispenser helps bring greater visibility to menstrual health issues, which are too often overlooked or deprioritized in public policy.

Including All Menstruating Individuals

This inclusive approach reduces discrimination and addresses the needs of all menstruating people, without forcing them to choose between safety and dignity. It also helps create a learning environment that is supportive and respectful of everyone.

Some institutions have already taken the lead particularly in Canada, Sweden, and certain U.S. campuses by installing tampon dispenser in gender-neutral restrooms or at building entrances. These choices are crucial to ensuring that no part of the student population is rendered invisible.

A Measure Aligned With Educational and Civic Values

Education is not only about acquiring knowledge it also aims to shape responsible citizens who are aware of social, health, and environmental issues.

Implementing feminine hygiene dispenser fits into a broader educational mission:

• It encourages young people to talk openly about menstruation, free from shame or embarrassment.
• It promotes solidarity and raises collective awareness of the inequalities related to periods.
• It enables the integration of awareness-raising actions around the menstrual cycle, intimate health, and sustainability (for example, by offering washable or compostable products).

Pad and tampon dispenser can also serve as educational tools: posters, QR codes, or brochures placed nearby can inform students about the menstrual cycle, period poverty, product options, and more. These resources contribute to comprehensive, inclusive health education.

Inspiring Examples and a Growing Movement Within Schools

From Local Initiatives to National Policies

Around the world, many countries have taken concrete steps to fight period poverty and promote inclusivity in schools and universities.

• Scotland: In 2020, Scotland became the first country in the world to make menstrual products free by law in all public spaces, including schools, universities, libraries, and community centers. This policy, unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament, has been praised as an international model.
• New Zealand: Since 2021, the New Zealand government has provided free pads and tampons in all public schools. This measure aims to eliminate financial barriers to education for young girls and is part of a broader effort to reduce social inequalities.
• Kenya: As early as 2011, Kenya implemented a national policy to distribute free menstrual products in public schools. The country was a pioneer in Africa, integrating menstrual health into both its education and health strategies.
• United States: Several U.S. states, including New York, California, and Illinois, have mandated free menstrual products in public schools. Prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford have also introduced sanitary pad dispenser accessible to all students.

These examples reflect a growing global awareness of menstrual health and the importance of ensuring equitable access to education. What began as local pilot projects is increasingly evolving into national standards, institutionalized policies, and even legislation. From tackling period poverty to fostering inclusive learning environments, the momentum is real and expanding.

Challenges to Address for Long-Term Impact

While installing free dispensers is a major step forward, their effectiveness depends on thoughtful planning and consistent management to prevent stock shortages, misuse, or poorly adapted solutions.

Key factors for ensuring success include:

• Choosing the right location: Inside restrooms, in discreet and accessible areas, without the need for staff supervision.
• Offering a variety of products: Including different types such as pads, tampons with and without applicators.
• Ensuring regular restocking: Assigning a designated staff member or service provider to avoid running out of supplies.
• Engaging students: Through surveys, student committees, or awareness workshops to ensure the initiative meets real needs.

Finally, for a lasting impact, free menstrual product distribution must be supported by education, communication, and an inclusive vision embraced by the entire educational community.