As part of its ongoing commitment to removing barriers to learning, TAFE SA is taking action to address period poverty among students.

TAFE SA has launched its Equity for all. Period initiative to provide free menstrual hygiene products on campuses.

The significant commitment will see more than 140 dispensers providing free pads and tampons installed in all TAFE SA female, unisex, and disabled bathrooms on campuses across the state.

The TAFE SA initiative recognises that period products are not luxury items but essentials and comes after the results of a nationwide survey found 64% of respondents across Australia have struggled to afford menstrual hygiene products.

The Bloody Big Survey 2024, conducted by Share the Dignity, gathered responses from more than 150,000 people across the country and found nearly 70% of TAFE and university students in South Australia have struggled to afford period products in the past year.   

TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman says the Equity for all. Period commitment will help address cost of living issues, strengthen an inclusive culture and ultimately support access to high-quality education and training.

“Menstruation has the potential to become a barrier to full participation in the skills and training we provide,” he says.

“When people are forced to choose between purchasing period products or meeting other basic needs, they are placed in a position of systemic disadvantage, which can lead to missed classes and time away from campus.

“As the public provider of vocational education and training, we want to ensure that all members of our community can access our classes and have a positive educational experience.

“This initiative aligns with TAFE SA’s broader commitment to enhancing the student experience, improving equity in educational outcomes, and creating a sense of belonging and support for every student.”

The installation of the dispensers will occur in three phases. The Adelaide City and Adelaide College of the Arts campuses will be the first to receive the dispensers.

Pictured above at the launch of Equity for all. Period are (from left) TAFE SA Board Chair Ingrid Haythorpe, Education, Training and Skills Minister, Blair Boyer, Connie Bonaros MLC, and TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman.