For the first time, menstrual products have become available in women’s school bathrooms around campus. They can be found on the first floor of Dougherty Hall and the ground floor of Mendel Hall and will be available on the first floor on Tolentine in the coming weeks.
This initiative was made possible by the Villanova Student Government Association (SGA), which is the student-run organization that ensures to represent the undergraduate student body on campus. Actions were taken to satisfy students’ wants and needs as they continue to develop on a daily basis especially when it comes to the accessibility of menstrual products around campus.
SGA President Dean Millard and Vice President Aleko Zeppos were instrumental in turning this idea into reality.
The Menstrual Products Bill, which authorized the purchase of new dispenser machines, was passed by sponsors Gigi Giuliano and Savie Seebald, along with co-sponsors Brian Messalti, Jenna Angelini, Matthias Miller, Ella Mattocks and Claire Kirby. This legislation laid the foundation for the purchase, installation and stocking of the dispensers in select bathrooms.
Previously, finding menstrual products in bathrooms was a challenge. The dispensers were either out of date and broken or empty. It got to a point where faculty members were donating products to be placed in the bathrooms.
Junior Sara Ledyard pointed out this struggle through her observations as a female student.
“I would see a few bathrooms that had those old-fashioned dispensers or just a bowl of products and it was common that they wouldn’t have any products left,” Ledyard said. “There were times I would see girls take handfuls and walk out.”
SGA prioritized addressing this issue after receiving numerous student complaints similar to Ledyard’s. Millard explained how the initiative began.
“SGA has been interested in implementing free menstrual products on campus for years,” Millard said. “However, we worked with the Custodial team to find a dispenser that they could stock and maintain.”
Female Villanova students agree and appreciate the easy access.
“While I keep these products in my room, it is nice to know that these products are available if an emergency occurs,” junior Danielle Lopes said.
Students get a choice of either pads or tampons which are displayed with separate dispensers.
“As a Biology major, I find myself spending most of my day in Mendel Hall,” Lopes said. “Living on West Campus is also hard since I cannot just run back to my room and grab what I need. It is so convenient that I can just walk down the hall and find a pad or tampon that I can use.”
SGA looks forward to expanding access to menstrual products campus-wide. With support from other organizations, they aim to achieve this goal in a timely manner.
Kenza Idrissi Janati, SGA Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, shared her perspective on the initiative.
“Access is everything,” Idrissi said. “Ensuring that all students have equitable access to essential resources, including menstrual products, is the key to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus. No student should have to worry about access to basic necessities while pursuing their education.”
Zeppos discusses what this initiative would look like as the year moves forward.
“This is just the beginning,” Zeppos said. “As SGA transitions into new leadership, we hope to build on the progress we have made and expand access across all academic buildings. Our partnerships with maintenance and administration will be key in making that happen.”
