Exploring period poverty among regional university students

Charles Sturt researchers Elizabeth Smith, Tracey Parnell and Jessica Biles investigated the prevalence and impact of period poverty among regional university students, and explored students’ awareness and utilisation of free period products provided through Dignity Vending Machines (DVMs).

Over half (56 per cent) of the research participants reported experiencing period poverty which impacted their academic, professional, and social lives. Many participants (62.2 per cent) were unaware of the DVMs, and of those who were aware, just over half had used them.

This research provides valuable insights into the experiences of tertiary students and highlights the need for further research and targeted interventions to address period poverty in regional tertiary education settings.

Dignity Vending Machines and signage have been installed in bathrooms in Library and Learning and Teaching spaces on our Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga campuses to address period poverty.