Changing the Cycle: Making Menstrual Products Free for All

Written by Communications on November 17, 2025. Posted in My AMS.

Menstrual products should be free. Many students are already struggling with other rising financial costs, and they shouldn’t have to add necessary menstrual products to their already long list of expenditures. To alleviate some of this burden, the AMS Menstrual Equity Project (MEP).

What is the AMS Menstrual Equity Project?

The AMS Menstrual Equity Project was established under the Social Issues Commission (SIC), originally starting as the Menstrual Product Accessibility Initiative under the Social Issues Commissioner (Internal) in 2023. It was further expanded by the next SIC-Internal and former Vice-President of University Affairs Ruth Osunde, and finally, our current AMS President and former SIC-Internal Jana Amer.

In its early days, the project was known as the Menstrual Project Accessibility Initiative, which first existed in 2019 through the AMS ratified club Queen’s Period. This initiative originally fostered the development of Take1Leave1 baskets carrying menstrual products across campus for students to access and donate products.

Over the years, the MEP has evolved into a large student-led initiative that aims to eliminate menstrual inequity at Queen’s through the provision of free, sustainable menstrual products, advocacy with the University and other organizations, and campus-wide educational campaigns. Ultimately, it serves as a low-barrier, accessible support for all students who menstruate — at any time or day — and combats the stigma associated with this natural process through an intersectional lens.

Anyone who comes into the Student Life Centre buildings (including the JDUC and Queen’s Centre) can find free tampons and pads in each of the female and gender inclusive washrooms. These products are offered through our sustainable Aunt Flo dispensers, and through our MEP community baskets that are restocked by Peer Support Centre volunteers!

Expanding Access and Advocacy

With the JDUC dispensers finally open, you can expect the MEP to become an even more important initiative for students at Queen’s, including:

An expansion of free menstrual products to other student-centered locations and offices
A greater output of meaningful, intersectional educational campaigns and student engagement opportunities, in partnership with other student organizations
Advocacy to the University for long-term institutional supports for menstrual equity

Please do not hesitate to reach out to if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for this initiative, or leave feedback through the Menstrual Equity Project Feedback Form (QR code can also be found next to every dispenser and basket).

Always for students, by students.

For any questions, concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the Communications Office, at . We’re here to help.