Project M.E. (Menstrual Equity) is a student-led menstrual equity initiative at the University of Northern Colorado. It was started in 2019 by student Rosie Glaser and has resulted in the conversion of menstrual product dispensers on campus to go from a coin-operated system to a free system. Menstrual Equity is broadly defined as the affordability, accessibility, and safety of menstrual products. Project M.E. seeks to increase access to menstrual products, identify and address barriers around accessing products, and promotes education around menstruation and reproductive health.
Project M.E. has contributed to menstrual equity efforts at UNC by providing students with free products in bathrooms for emergency situations, and by offering students free bulk menstrual product packs through the Center for Women’s and Gender Equity. Thanks to Student LEAF, the Center for Women’s and Gender Equity now also offers a limited amount of sustainable menstrual product alternatives such as menstrual cups, plastic-free tampons, and washable pads. By providing students with free products, Project M.E. eliminates the cost barrier associated with accessing menstrual products and promotes overall equity at UNC.
Thanks to funding and support from Student LEAF, Student Senate, the Center for Peer Education, UNC Facilities, and the Center for Women’s and Gender Equity, UNC will continuously offer free menstrual products to students! The Center for Women’s and Gender Equity will be hosting a launch party to celebrate the conversion of dispensers and the in person launch of Project M.E.. Stop by for a free evening of fun! Grab some dinner, build your own self-care & menstrual product pack, and learn about why menstrual equity is so important at UNC! All members of the community are welcome to join on Monday, September 13th from 4-6 PM at Scott-Wilcoxon Hall.
@projectme.unco on Instagram
rose.glaser@unco.edu
