By Lea Laursen Pasgaard, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Illustration: Alberte Spork

As of 1 June, there will be free hygiene products such as pads and tampons to be found in selected toilets at AAU. The initiative is a new pilot project from AAU's Committee for Equality and Diversity and will help to foster a more inclusive campus environment.

"It's basically about removing a small but real barrier in everyday life. No one should suddenly be missing a basic hygiene product and this should not be something that creates stress or interrupts a study or work day. The goal of the pilot project is both to make things easier right now while also to learn more about how we can best support well-being and inclusion at AAU," says Jesper Wengel, Chair of the Committee for Equality and Diversity.

The insights behind the initiative

According to Jesper Wengel, the decision on the pilot project is based on positive experiences from the University of Copenhagen which has a similar scheme. He also emphasizes that free pads and tampons are already offered at several universities abroad, including in the United States, England, Germany and Canada.

"The initiative is an important step towards increasing well-being and inclusion on campus. By taking into account the different needs of students, AAU sends a clear signal that it wants to create a study environment where everyone can participate on equal terms. Overall, it is a relatively small initiative that can have a major impact on the everyday lives of many students, and which contributes to a more inclusive university," says Frederik Andersen from the Student Society.

Products in selected toilets

The products will be found in toilets in the largest canteen areas on AAU's three campuses. At AAU SUND, the scheme is being tested in approximately half of the toilets to enable a more systematic evaluation, for example, with a subsequent questionnaire sent to the building's users.

This means that hygiene products will be available where many students spend time throughout the day – close to classes, group work and canteen areas.

Experiences from the pilot period will be compiled from the three campuses and will an inform an assessment of whether the scheme should be continued or expanded.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs