Menstrual Health Initiative

The Menstrual Project at Jönköping University was launched in April 2022 by Students for Sustainable Action (SSA), with the aim of improving access to menstrual products on campus and raising awareness of menstrual health and inclusivity. As part of the initiative, a campaign was conducted to engage students, followed by a survey in which 406 respondents expressed strong support for providing free menstrual products at JU.

Student feedback highlighted the initiative’s clear impact and importance while also reflecting positively on the university´s strong commitment to student wellbeing. Many students emphasized that access to menstrual products is an essential part of everyday student life, helping to reduce stress and disruptions to academic activities. One student noted that such access can “save” days and nights for those who need it. Others pointed to practical challenges, such as difficulties accessing personal supplies during exams, with one respondent explaining that the lack of products in exam hall bathrooms can even force students to leave an exam early.

Beyond these practical benefits, students also recognized the initiative as contributing to a more inclusive environment and positively reflecting the university´s broader commitment to supporting students.

With a lot of effort and progress, Jönköping University now has 14 dispensers stocked with pads and tampon across campus including exam halls and various school departments. When supplies run out, students can scan the QR code on the menstrual health poster in the bathroom, which notifies SSA members to refill the products. This joint effort has made it possible to provide free menstrual products for all students and staff at JU, whilst also having the intention to spread awareness about period poverty and fight taboos around menstruation in general.