Go with the Flow was set up by our previous VP Education, Stefania David, and is now continued by the staff here at Solent Students' Union, as a way to combat period poverty.
What is period poverty?
Period Poverty, an issue which affects many globally, refers to the lack of access to sanitary products and hygiene facilities. It also encompasses the stigma that periods are associated with uncleanliness and shame, as well as the lack of education surrounding menstruation.
Those who experience period poverty struggle to purchase the products they need for their period. This can lead to them being unable to go to school or work, and participating in daily life can be made more challenging.
For those who struggle with period poverty, it can create many challenges. Due to the stigma surrounding menstruation, many people can become ashamed of having a period, stopping them from talking about it.
When talking about periods and menstruation, it's important to remember: not all menstruators are women, and not all women menstrate.
Aim of the campaign
- To support all students who menstruate
- To take away the stress of students worrying about whether they need to cut back on a food shop or not buy period products this month
Accessing the products
Go With The Flow vending machines with the organic and sustainable Grace & Green pads and tampons will be available in the following areas:
- Ground floor of The Spark in the female, male and disabled toilets
- Ground floor of Solent Library in the disabled toilets
- Spark Level 0
- Spark Level 3
- Spark Level 5
- JM Level 3
- By The Dock
- RM Level 3 gender-neutral toilets
- HC Level 0
- HC Level 2
- Sports Complex Level 1
- Sports Complex Level 2
- Sports Complex Level 3
The products are available to all students, staff and visitors to the university and are a great step to tackling period poverty on campus.
Sustainable periods
As part of our campaign, as well as making period products more easily accessible, we also wanted them to be more sustainable. That is why we decided to supply organic and sustainable period products.
The term 'sustainable periods' refers to the process of actively engaging in reducing the amount of waste your period makes. Instead, opting for an eco-friendly period brand/product helps to reduce waste, slow down climate change and decrease your carbon footprint. In practice, for some, this could be wearing period pants, using a menstrual cup, or switching to reusable pads or a more sustainable pad or tampon brand. As part of our campaign, we are supplying organic and sustainable period products.
Inclusive periods
When talking about periods and menstruation, it's important to remember: not all menstruators are women, and not all women menstrate.
Menstruation is a biological function; however, people tend to refer to only women and girls when discussing periods. This sadly excludes those who do not identify as women but do menstruate, for example, trans men, non-binary, gender fluid and intersex people. This restrictive language also isolates women who do not menstruate, due to menopause, stress, disease or a hysterectomy.
Need refilling?
If you spot any empty baskets or vending machines, please let the Students' Union know as soon as possible by popping into our office (next to East Park Deli) or by emailing students.union@solent.ac.uk.
Useful websites
Hey Girls - Established in 2018 by Celia and her two daughters, Kate and Bec, Hey Girls is a multi-award-winning community-centred company. They work with over 150 community partners, helping to provide them with period products for those vulnerable to facing period poverty.
Freedom4Girls - Freedom4Girls is a UK-registered charity that supports those who menstruate, by fighting against the challenges that stigma, taboos and gender inequalities bring.
Period Poverty UK - Hoping to eliminate period poverty in Britain's most deprived communities by 2025, Period Poverty UK helps support women in crisis have access to period products during their period.
Bloody Good Period - Bloody Good Period helps fight period poverty by providing period products to those who cannot afford them, as well as providing menstruation health education to those who are unable to access it. They also encourage everyone to just talk about periods!