[The Proposition] ‘Period products should be readily available in every workplace’

PhD students explain their most provocative statement. This time it is Xinyuan Min’s turn. She received her PhD on 22 December for analyses of the economic feasibility of different types of greenhouses in China.

‘I noticed when I came here as a student that you can hardly buy menstrual products anywhere on campus. The closest now the Campus Plaza mini-supermarket. It is also a bit more expensive than a regular supermarket. I have often had to ask fellow students or colleagues if they had anything with them. There are vending machines everywhere, filled with chocolate and cola. Why can’t a few racks be filled with tampons and sanitary pads?

Some people may find that a bit uncomfortable, but that also shows how important this is. Menstruation is perfectly normal and we have to get used to it. At my new workplace in Shanghai I have already created a stock, in my desk drawer and a set in each bag, including different sizes of tampons for the different days of my cycle. It may not be a big, urgent problem, but I think it’s unfair that only women have this problem. If men had periods, the products would be free and available everywhere, just like toilet paper.’

Also read:

[The proposition] ‘Privatizing public transport is a prime example of political cognitive dissonance’

[The Proposition] ‘Change in attitude regarding the environment starts with the education of the youngest generations.’

Limelight