Values in Action Recognise UCD Library for Period Poverty Intiative YVONNE

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In December 2022, the UCD Values in Action Awards (VIA) acknowledged the UCD Library for their efforts on tackling period poverty by providing free sanitary products.

In the James Joyce Library, the Period Poverty Team made free pads and tampons available to any student. These period products can be found in the dispensers in the women’s, men’s and unisex/ wheelchair accessible toilets.

The UCD VIA Awards recognise individuals or teams and committees who act as ambassadors for UCD Values through their daily efforts; and those who establish initiatives that bring the UCD Values to life, or volunteer within the UCD community.

A report conducted by the Period Poverty Sub-Committee on behalf of the Government, found that between 53,000 to 83,000 women are at risk of period poverty in Ireland; and that individuals that face homelessness or have a substance-use disorder are particularly vulnerable. a minimum of €121.

The Period Poverty Initiative started in October 2021. It is a group effort between the UCD Library, Professor Jason Last, UCD Dean of Students and the UCD Students’ Union. The initiative’s aim is to make period products accessible to students.

Associate Librarian Lorna Dodd stated that, “The Library plays a pivotal role in everyday student life and we are committed to student well-being.”

Most people that experience periods will have 12 – 13 periods per year with some using up to 22 tampons and/or pads per cycle. The average annual costs of period products for individuals, including pain relief can be estimated at

The pilot stage of the period poverty initiative within UCD Library is an ongoing success. The Students’ Union said, “We are extremely grateful for the library’s partnership in helping us get this worthwhile initiative over the line and students should expect to see an increase in the number of locations with free period products over the coming weeks.”

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