Are you writing a thesis and you're on your period? Honestly – it's not easy.
Menstruation is a completely natural part of life, but it still remains an overlooked topic at universities. For many women, college is the time when they first experience menstrual problems while balancing studies, part-time jobs, and a limited budget.
For some students, menstruation may be just a minor inconvenience. For others, it brings pain, exhaustion, shame, and the inability to afford basic hygiene needs. And when the university environment is not supportive, the impact on health, self-esteem, and academic performance is huge.
Why universities should address the issue
Our own research at Femvie has shown that 86% of women experience their periods unexpectedly while studying – often in the middle of lectures, exams or sports activities. 62% have had to leave class to buy them or even leave school due to missing sanitary products. This is not just an inconvenience. This is a disruption to the educational process and equal access to education.
The health of female students is not a marginal issue. The menstrual cycle affects concentration, energy, sleep and psyche. Diseases such as endometriosis or PCOS often remain undiagnosed, which increases the pressure on female students.
Menstrual poverty on campuses
Living in a dorm or in the city is already expensive. Adding hygiene products, which are still not considered a basic need, is an insurmountable challenge for some students. Menstrual poverty – the inability to afford or secure safe products – leads to improvised and risky solutions, skipping classes, and social exclusion.
How students really experience it
" I had cramps so bad during my exams that I had to ask for a postponement. I felt incompetent and embarrassed because they don't talk about these things at school, " shared an anonymous student from our Femvie community.
We hear hundreds of such stories. And yet, there is a solution, and it is sustainable.
What universities can do today
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Free and sustainable menstrual supplies in toilets, libraries or sports fields
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Training and awareness-raising for educators and student associations to ensure the topic is not taboo
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Safe and inclusive spaces
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Mental health support and the possibility of sharing menstrual problems, without feeling ashamed or stressed
How Femvie helps
At Femvie, we believe that menstrual health is a fundamental right. That's why we've created a collaboration model with universities and schools that includes:
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supply of organic tampons, pads, intimates and other certified organic cotton (without plastic and chemicals)
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educational and awareness programs – workshops and educational materials for students and teachers,
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connecting with experts and the community through panels and lectures
Our vision is a menstruation-friendly university environment , where students don't have to choose between attending classes and managing their cycle.
How to get involved
If you are a student, you can:
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contact the student union and demand better product availability, connection with Femvie - hello@femvie.com
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share your story and help break the stigma - @femvieorganic we are listening
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join initiatives like Femvie and push change forward.
If you represent a university, let us know. We'd love to show you how easy and effective it is to integrate menstrual health care into your institution. Plus, we're thinking about sustainability - a long-term solution, not more plastic.
👉 At Femvia, we are changing the way menstruation is talked about and cared for – in schools, businesses and public institutions. Join us.
