Dublin University Gender Equality Society (DUGES) has created a WhatsApp group that is “open to any menstruators attending Trinity”, called the Period Provision Trinity Group.
In an Instagram post today, they stated that the aim of the group was to “provide a space that allows members to communicate and inform one another on where period products are available on campus and to share resources when required”.
Recognising the work of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) in tackling period poverty on campus, they stated: “Whilst the Student Union have done an amazing job providing period products in the college bathrooms, resources are finite and easily run out during exam seasons.”
“We hope this will give people the freedom to talk openly and freely about periods without shame or fear of bleeding through their clothing”.
They continued: “Period poverty is a very real issue affecting students and some individuals may feel more comfortable reaching out to their peers for support and advice.”
Figures published by the period poverty sub-committee under the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020 showed that up to 85,000 individuals could be at risk of period poverty.
The report also showed that the overall annual cost of period products, including pain relief, for individuals can be estimated at a minimum of €121.
As part of budget 2023, the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate for newer period products such as menstrual cups, period pants, and menstrual sponges was reduced to 0% on January 1, bringing them in line with the zero VAT rate on tampons and sanitary pads.
