University of Newcastle students now have access to free period products thanks to a collaboration with Share the Dignity and Cygnett.
Did you know almost one in four domestic students at the University of Newcastle are from low socio-economic backgrounds? With the increasing cost of living, these students may be feeling financial pressure.
Thanks to Cygnett, students facing financial difficulties can now access free period products 24/7 in a gender neutral, accessible space to help alleviate some of that pressure.
Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle Courtenay explained that half of the students at the University of Newcastle are the first in their family to attend university, making it important we give students all the support possible to help them receive an education.
Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle said “As a mother and grandmother I would hate to think that my daughters or granddaughters were going without period products. I am so glad that we can be part of the solution of ensuring that period products are free for all students at the University of Newcastle.”
“With the cost of living already adding financial burden onto Australians, it is our most vulnerable, such as students, who are feeling it the most. Our goal is to ensure that no Australian ever misses a day of education because they can’t afford to buy period products. Thanks to Cygnett, one more community is able to remove this barrier and ensure dignity for all students.”
Professor Laura-Anne Bull, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience at the University of Newcastle said the Library has received lots of positive feedback since the machine was installed.
“Students experiencing financial hardship can now access free period products 24/7 in a gender neutral, accessible space to help alleviate some of that pressure. The feedback from students since the machine was installed has been really positive.
“Having easy (and free!!) access to pads and tampons is a right and I’m so glad the Uni is seeing that.”
“Great initiative. I may be a guy but can we all appreciate the free period pack dispenser in Library bathroom!”
Cygnett CEO, Jason Carrington said they are proud to have supported Share the Dignity over the past few years and are committed to helping ensure that period products are accessible and available to everyone.
“Share the Dignity’s vending machines give people experiencing period poverty the ability to deal with their periods in safe ways and afford them the dignity they deserve,” explains Cygnett CEO, Jason Carrington. “We are very pleased to now be supporting the students at the University of Newcastle with the installation of the Share the Dignity X Cygnett vending machine”.
Learn more about our Dignity Vending Machine program here: Dignity Vending Machines (sharethedignity.org.au)
