Rome, December 23 – Sapienza University has recently launched a new initiative, installing automated dispensers providing free feminine hygiene products. These ‘tamponbox’ units are now operational in various faculties and departments, marking a significant step towards supporting the well-being of the university’s female community.
A Project Driven by Inclusivity and Sustainability
Rector Antonella Polimeni emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This is a project strongly desired by the university’s governance, implemented in conjunction with student representatives, to offer our female students and women within our community a concrete sign of attention and closeness.”
The initial deployment of these dispensers is also serving as a pilot phase. “The first installations,” Polimeni clarified, “also represent a listening phase: they will help us understand the perception, usage, and reception of the service. For this reason, we invite you to use them carefully, according to real needs.” The tamponbox units are automated and free; users simply press a numerical button to receive the selected product.
Widespread Installation Across Campuses
A video guide, featuring a student, highlights the locations of these new machines. Currently, they can be found in the Faculties of Literature and Philosophy, Law, Earth Sciences, Physiology and Pharmacology, the Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, and Economics.
Beyond accessibility, the initiative also aligns with Sapienza’s broader sustainability goals. “The project,” Polimeni noted, “also falls within Sapienza’s concrete actions to support sustainability objectives: the sanitary pads are produced in Italy, made from organic cotton, biodegradable in about three months, and compostable.” This commitment underscores the university’s dedication to environmentally friendly practices while addressing the practical needs of its community.
Broader Context of Support for Women
This initiative at Sapienza University is part of a growing trend to address women’s health and well-being. Other related efforts include special sponges for cleaning seas and rivers, a campaign for anti-harassment codes in schools, ethical supply chains in cosmetics for biodiversity, and emergency numbers in restaurant bathrooms for gender-based violence. These parallel efforts highlight a wider societal push towards greater support and awareness for women’s issues.
Source: roma.corriere.it
