General News
16 August, 2023
Tampons for free at TAFE
FREE pads and tampons for TAFE students and staff are being offered as part of the Period Positivity Program.
Two dispensers are now installed at the Cairns campus, with each dispenser stocked with 126 Libra regular pads and 24 boxes of eight tampons.
TAFE Queensland North and Far North Queensland general manager Susan Kinobe said the program would positively impact all aspects of student and work life at TAFE.
“Lack of easy access to period care products can, not only present a significant obstacle to health, but can negatively affect staff and student engagement, behaviour and equal participation in work and learning activities,” she said. “By providing period care products, these barriers can be reduced and individuals can manage their period with dignity.”
Essity’s B2B executive general manager Jody Scaife said the program allowed students to manage their periods discreetly and safely, encouraging them to attend classes and participate actively in their education.
“Our research indicates that many people are still embarrassed to deal with periods during school, TAFE or university, with over 50 per cent of people telling us they’re doing things like trying to hide tampons in their pockets or taking their handbag to the bathroom so no one sees them carrying a pad,” she said.
“People also say they feel embarrassed to ask a friend for a period product if they get caught short, and we know that for some people, period poverty is also a factor.
“For some of these students the embarrassment, stigma or financial inability to afford period care products means they simply don’t go to class.
“When an employer or educational facility makes these products readily accessible, they don’t just make life easier for their staff or students, they send a message about being interested in their wellbeing and about creating a space that is welcoming and inclusive,” she said.
The Period Positivity Program works in partnership with TAFE Queensland and Essity Australasia (Libra period products).
For more information about the Period Positivity Program at TAFE Queensland, visit
www.tafeqld.edu.au
