Thompson Rivers University is promising to provide free menstrual products in all washrooms at its Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses by September.
In a statement, the university says in doing so, it will become the first post-secondary institution in British Columbia to make this commitment.
The university says by signing the United Way Period Promise it is aiming to reduce the barriers facing some students allowing them to access products discreetly while removing some of the stigma.
TRU Student Union, Vice President Equity, Mackenzie Francoeur says it is a “huge win” as it will reduce the barriers that some people face when it comes to accessing these products on campus.
“We began this work earlier this year and we were just absolutely thrilled with how on board TRU was. You know, we went to the facilities department and we asked them about this project and they were really just like ‘yeah, lets do it,'” she told NL News, noting the TRUSU Equity Committee was instrumental in making this change.
“So it was super exciting to see this happen so quickly.”
Francoeur says this is an issue that affects not just TRU students but also faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus.
“We do feel that it is important to have these in all campus bathrooms because people who menstruate don’t just include those assigned female at birth identities, so providing this in all bathroom is extremely important,” she added.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude that people who menstruate can now participate in our campus community without having to hurdle the additional barrier that is menstrual inequity.”
Francoeur says she believes TRU’s willingness to make these products available shows the university is a leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“We’re hoping to see more universities take this step as well but TRUSU has a further kind of goal to work with the United Way and see this happen on the municipal level as well,” Francoeur added.
“So we’re hoping to go further than just university campuses.”
TRU estimates it will cost $1.25 per month for every person who needs access to hygiene products, noting in its statement, that the cost is minimal compared to the value it will have in ending period poverty while making the campus more welcoming for everyone.
“It is important to us that no student or employee on campus is faced with period poverty. This is an easy step that TRU can take to ensure everyone in our on-campus community feels safe and welcome on our campuses,” added Warren Asuchak, TRU’s Associate Vice-President of Campus Infrastructure, Sustainability and Ancillary Services.
