Women’s Club Discusses Ideas for Making Feminine Products More Available On Campus
BY: TANIA ROBIN
Staff Writer
At STLCC the entire student body is comprised of a larger percentage of women students. In fall of 2017 women made up 59.9 percent of the student body, which means by 2018 the probability
that this percentage has increased over 60 percent is likely accurate, according to the STLCC website. Men at STLCC only represent 40.1 percent of the population.
The gender demographic and national debates have prompted colleges and businesses to consider offering free feminine hygiene products.
The Women’s Club at Meramec recently met to discuss this very issue. “I feel that by now our period shouldn’t be labeled as ‘taboo’ because everyone knows about periods and knows at least the basics of what women go through monthly,” said Meramec Student Kyra Tomo.
Without access to just pads or tampons can affect feminine health and become a mental stressor, said Tomo.
“There should be more understanding
from schools, colleges and workplaces, so that their female staff or students have access to basic products like pads or tampons in the bathrooms,” she said. “It shouldn’t be labeled as a commodity, that women have to provide themselves.”
In fact, the Women’s Club discussion offered examples of the challenges for many women unable to afford basic feminine hygiene products and the lack of support from insurance companies.
“Insurance will cover non essential men’s care like ‘Viagra’ but insurance or health care won’t cover any costs of period products for women who have this recurring period every month,” said Tomo. “It doesn’t make sense to me.”
The club has considered offering a fundraising drive to supply females with the hygiene products they need. “If we can provide free condoms for students through a club on campus, we should also be able to provide free feminine products for the female students,” said Meramec Student Sophia Ard. “At the very least,
we should hand out free pads or tampons to students.”
“I feel that when we need period supplies, it’s treated like it’s a privilege for women. It’s just ridiculous that it’s so hard to find pads or tampons on campus, it shouldn’t be that way.”
Currently, according to an on-site survey of Meramec’s restrooms, only 50 percent feature a feminine hygiene dispenser and only the dispensers in the Student Center actually operate when inserting a quarter into the dispenser.
“I feel that it would definitely make me feel at least more secure on campus to have easier access to feminine products,” said Meramec Student Maria Stoentcheva. “At times, I forget to pack my own in my backpack, it would be nice to have a backup of products in the campus bathroom just in case that happens.”
The convenience alone is what concerns members of the Women’s Club. “The lack of period product availability has become a significant inconvenience for us and other students,” said Stoentcheva.
For some, it’s also a necessity. “We cannot just hit an off switch and turn off our periods whenever we want,” said Meramec Student Iris Vaporean.
