TAFE SA, in alignment with its goal to remove learning barriers, has announced a new initiative, “Equity for all. Period.”, which aims to provide free menstrual hygiene products across its campuses. This new measure was announced in conjunction with Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th.
To facilitate this, the SA Government will allocate $300,000 annually to install over 140 dispensers containing free pads and tampons in female, unisex, and disabled bathrooms on all TAFE SA campuses. This decision comes in response to the significant findings of the nationwide Bloody Big Survey 2024 by Share the Dignity, which revealed that nearly 70 per cent of tertiary students in South Australia have experienced difficulty in affording period products in the past year.
Blair Boyer, the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, stressed the importance of combating these educational barriers. “It is vital that we address barriers to learning,” he said. “Many students are struggling to afford these essentials, and this initiative will alleviate some of the cost-of-living pressures, promote an inclusive environment, and support the pursuit of quality education and training.”
Boyer also elaborated on the broader benefits of the initiative. “By providing period products at TAFE campuses, we ensure that the cost of these products does not lead to missed classes or any form of disadvantage in learning,” he stated.
Katrine Hildyard, the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, also commented on the initiative, speaking about its broader social implications. “Girls and women should be empowered to participate equally and actively in all community life facets,” she stated. Hildyard pointed out that the cost associated with menstrual care should not prevent women from engaging fully in educational or other activities.
Connie Bonaros, a strong advocate for women’s health issues and supporter of the initiative, praised the government’s efforts. “It’s unacceptable that in 2025, having a period could still disadvantage women, hindering their ability to learn or work,” she said. “I am grateful to the Minister of Education for his commitment to supporting women, ensuring they are not hindered in their education or other pursuits.”
The rollout of these dispensers will occur in three phases, beginning with the Adelaide City campus — the largest TAFE SA campus. Subsequent installations at other locations will follow progressively.
This step by TAFE SA is reflective of a growing recognition both locally and globally of the need to treat menstrual products not as luxury items, but as basic necessities. Such initiatives not only address immediate financial and educational disparities but also work towards normalising menstruation as a basic health issue deserving of public support and attention.
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