Since December 2021, the University of Luxembourg provides menstrual and contraceptive products to students for free.
Wooden boxes containing menstrual products (tampons and pads) and condoms are installed in the student lounges on Belval and Kirchberg campuses.
The wooden boxes are produced and delivered for free by the Atelier Créaction of the CIGL (Centre d’initiative et de gestion locale) of Walferdange.
The University of Luxembourg recognises that free access to menstrual and contraceptive products is a vital element of student health and wellness requirements.
The initiative is coordinated by the SEVE (Office of Student Life), and sponsored by the University’s Gender Equality Committee which subsidises the contents of the boxes.
By improving access to menstrual and contraceptive products, the University wishes to help alleviate stress and anxiety among the student population and help address period and youth poverty.
Period poverty occurs whenever access to the facilities and resources needed for proper menstrual hygiene is not available or too costly. It is one of the most prevalent global health issues, affecting around 2.3 billion women and young girls who do not have access to basic menstrual sanitation services and supplies, such as pads or tampons.
Limited access to period products amongst students can be particularly stigmatising and detrimental, causing many to miss out on studying opportunities.
Providing free sanitary and contraceptive protection for students has emerged amid a growing focus on youth poverty which particularly arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University is implementing the initiative for one year and will then assess its impact.
