Menstrual poverty
What is menstrual poverty?
Menstrual poverty is a growing problem, both globally and in the Netherlands, where women and girls cannot afford menstrual products. Fortunately, there is a poverty fund in the Netherlands that provides facilities to address this issue. The Poverty Fund distributes free menstrual products through Menstrual Product Distribution Points (MPDPs, in Dutch MUP's), where various types, sizes, and brands of sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups are available. This allows girls and women to choose a product of their preference.
Locations
Currently, the Poverty Fund reaches approximately 131,000 girls and women in the Netherlands with their MPDPs. In total, there are 1,574 MPDPs in the Netherlands. Fontys is an MPDP. This means that these facilities are easily accessible for students who need them.
Find an MPDP (MUP) near you
Where are the distribution points at Fontys?
In several restroom facilities within the educational buildings, small cabinets (as shown in the adjacent photo) have been installed where individuals can take single-use menstrual products for immediate use. These cabinets are replenished daily as needed.
At each campus or major location, a larger cabinet has also been placed, containing full packages of menstrual products that students who cannot afford them, or have difficulty affording them, can take home anonymously. The larger cabinets will be regularly checked to place new orders when necessary.
Bathrooms with free products
- P1 Bathroom D0.56
- P3 Bathroom 0.31
- P4 Bathroom 0.26
- P7 Will follow later
- P8 Bathroom 0.52
- ZP Bathroom A1.11 near reception
- ML 0.T3D
Large cupboard with packaging
- P1 Entry hall P1 near the lockers
- ZP Hallway near room B1.03
Bathrooms with free products
- R3 Ladies room ground floor, next to room 0.63
- R4 Ladies room ground floor, next to the elevator
- R5 Ladies room ground floor
- R10 Gender neutral bathroom ground floor
- R11 Ladies room ground floor
- R12 Both gender neutral bathrooms ground floor
- R13 Ladies room ground floor, next to the elevator
- Witte Dame ES_2.82 & ES_3.74
- Nexus twice next to the door of room ER_1.02
- Sporthogeschool T0.72
Large cupboard with packaging
- R11 Hallway 0.20
- Nexus Hallway across ER_1.03
Bathrooms with free products
- Bathroom W1 0.69B
Large cupboard with packaging
- Hallway 1st floor 1.00
Bathrooms with free products
- FF Bathroom 0.D1
Large cupboard with packaging
- FF Hallway 0.94
Bathrooms with free products
- Bathroom 0.61
Large cupboard with packaging
- 1.26
Contact
We believe it's important that you don't have to worry about the cost of menstrual products. At Fontys locations in Eindhoven and Tilburg, you can find menstrual products.
If you have financial concerns and would like to discuss them with a student counselor, please feel free to make an appointment.