Women, trans, and non-binary people across the island continue to struggle against barriers to equality. Period dignity is one of the most basic things our community can ask for. If you menstruate, you should be able to access pads and tampons when you need them so that you can go about your day.
Period products can and should be available in every TCD toilet for all student and staff.
In Spring 2023, Estates & Facilities and TCDSU launched a free period product scheme, which was funded by Trinity Trust. The product dispensers were stocked on a daily basis, similarly to other basic supplies like toilet paper or soap. Period products were procured from @we.are.riley, an Irish-owned brand that makes biodegradable products with zero bleach, toxins, or harmful chemicals. The scheme saw unprecedented demand. Unfortunately, the funding provided ran out within a two month period. The TCDSU President and Welfare & Equality Officer have been lobbying for sustained and increased funding for the coming academic year.
On 8 March 2022, the Irish Government announced the roll-out of free period products in further education and the training sector. 9 colleges across 6 ETBs (Education and Training Boards) are involved in this pilot initiative, which will see free, sustainable period products and dispensers for students. Trinity College Dublin is not included in this pilot project, and it is unlikely that public funding for period products will reach us anytime soon.
Until that happens, it is vital that the College steps in to ensure that every bathroom across our campuses has a dispenser for free tampons and pads.
It is also important to flag that there is an overwhelming lack of gender-neutral bathrooms across the College. Your Union is fighting on this. You are part of an organisation built on solidarity — we haven’t won until every member has equal access.