OYY Campaigns Against Period Poverty During Wellbeing Week

The Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) is organizing a Wellbeing Week from November 18th to November 22, with period poverty being one of its key themes. To encourage discussion about the topic, the student union will distribute free menstrual products on the Kontinkangas campus on Tuesday, November 19, and on the Linnanmaa campus on Wednesday, November 20.

Menstruation is a part of life for over half the university community members. Period poverty is a real issue for many, yet it is often overlooked.

“The student union’s goal is to be a part of the creation of a society where menstruation is openly discussed, and is viewed as a natural part of life. For example, distributing free period products in public bathrooms would ensure that every student could study without having to worry about their health,” says Essi Leinonen, the Specialist of Social Affairs at OYY.

Changes made to student welfare have also impacted how much they can afford to spend on hygiene products. Worst case scenario, being unable to purchase menstrual products can force individuals to make health-compromising decisions, such as using menstrual products for too long.

In Finland, the value tax on menstrual products has long been 24 percent. Starting at the beginning of 2025, this rate will decrease to 14 percent. However, this is only a small step in the right direction when it comes to ending period poverty. Globally, efforts to combat period poverty have included eliminating value tax entirely or distributing period products free of charge to those who need them.

Further information:

Specialist of Social Affairs at the Student Union of the University of Oulu Essi Leinonen, essi.leinonen@oyy.fi, 0405265821