Combating period poverty at university
As part of the fight against period poverty, and in parallel with government measures currently being rolled out, UM is combining solidarity and creativity by offering the RelaX program.
Did you know?
33% of students report experiencing financial difficulties in purchasing menstrual products. This is according to a survey published in February 2021. Source: fage.org
These difficulties have an impact on the physical, psychological, and social health of the most vulnerable. Some prolong the use of protection, thereby increasing the risk of toxic shock syndrome, while others improvise with whatever means they have available, or simply refrain from going out during their period.
Whether individual, associative, or institutional, initiatives have emerged to combat period poverty, such as the action proposed by Mélanie Jaoul, lecturer in law at the University of Montpellier, or the student association Les Solibox at the IUT of Montpellier-Sète.
UM is committed
Now it's the turn of the University of Montpellier to get involved by offering a solidarity initiative called RelaX. RelaX ensures that every student can live with dignity during their period.
Designed and produced by Montpellier-based design duo Mr. & Mr., brightly colored bags are available to the public on various university campuses. These bags can be used to store and collect sanitary products (pads, tampons, and panty liners) on a self-service basis.
The first bags were installed in early March in several student areas on the Triolet and Richter campuses. More will soon be added to the restrooms at various UM locations.