Warwick SU now stock free sanitary products

Warwick Students’ Union (SU) have starting stocking free sanitary products this year, after a policy to provide emergency protection for people with periods was voted on in Term 2 of last year.

The policy was proposed and voted on in an All Student Meeting (ASM), after current SU President Luke Pilot, Welfare and Campaigns officer Chloe Wynne, and former LGBTUA+ Officer Rachel Buckley-Taylor wrote a motion on the SU’s responsibility to provide sanitary products for those in need.

Of the 1023 students who voted, 830 students voted for the motion to be passed, while 82 students voted against and 111 students chose to abstain.

In response to those who voted against, Chloe Wynne noted that “it’s a basic right” to have access to the necessary products to help anyone feel safe, clean and able to go about their daily business without a financial barrier.

Chloe added: “Some people argued at the time that people without periods don’t get given free toilet roll so why should people with periods get emergency protection – well, actually, when have you ever gone to the Copper Rooms for a tinkle and had to pay for a sheet of toilet paper?”

Some people argued at the time that people without periods don’t get given free toilet roll so why should people with periods get emergency protection – well, actually, when have you ever gone to the Copper Rooms for a tinkle and had to pay for a sheet of toilet paper?

Chloe Wynne, Warwick SU’s Welfare Officer

Universities with SUs already offering menstrual products include Newcastle, Sussex, Birmingham, University of East Anglia, and London’s Brunel University.

Chloe Wynne explained: “Warwick was in a bit of a minority in not considering it earlier.”

Uma Kotwal, Co-President of Warwick Anti-Sexism Society (WASS), commented: “WASS are really happy to hear the news.”

She added: “This is an important resource, especially for people who may have difficulty obtaining these supplies due to cost or any other barrier. We hope that this will improve student wellbeing considerably.”

While the SU are working on putting an anonymised form online for people to request condoms, pregnancy tests, tampons or towels, those needing to access the products can contact Chloe Wynne directly or visit her office.