#S tuck I n T he S tall
flowforward
FOR STUDENTS BY STUDENTS
We stock free menstrual products in bathrooms at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Over 20,000 Products Donated
Students rely on our products when they get their period during class. We are balancing the scale of education one pad at a time.
$1 per student appropriated through student fees
On February 10, 2026, 85% of UNC Students voted “yes” on the reappropriation of student fees to go toward the Menstrual Health Action Coalition (the branch of FlowForward in student government). This means that each academic year, we will receive $1 per student to continue our efforts across UNC’s campus, totaling $20,000 annually. This work was led by our amazing policy team and ensures we can continue doing this important work years into the future.
"I was gonna have to go home, but then there were pads in the bathroom, so I got to then go back to class after that." - Tori, undergraduate student
"I was gonna have to go home, but then there were pads in the bathroom, so I got to then go back to class after that." - Tori, undergraduate student
“I started my period and was super worried I was going to have to go home. The basket was fully stocked and now I’m good to stay at the library” – Anonymous Student
“I started my period and was super worried I was going to have to go home. The basket was fully stocked and now I’m good to stay at the library” – Anonymous Student
“I saw it [the bins] in there and I was like, that is so awesome, especially with trans masculine men’s hormones, sometimes you still have your period. It fluctuates a lot. And so many people get periods and it’s important that these are available 'cause they are hygienic products that we all need.” – Codi, Graduate Student
“I saw it [the bins] in there and I was like, that is so awesome, especially with trans masculine men’s hormones, sometimes you still have your period. It fluctuates a lot. And so many people get periods and it’s important that these are available 'cause they are hygienic products that we all need.” – Codi, Graduate Student
$40,000 acquired in donations.
But we are not stopping there
Over 1,300 signatures
to support the call on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to provide free menstrual products for all students in support of menstrual equity. We ask that these products be funded, procured, stocked and maintained by the university — and readily available in campus bathrooms on par with other basic bathroom necessities such as toilet paper, paper towels and soap.
All signatures are from members of the UNC community - whether that be student, faculty, staff, or alumnus.
Why we matter
“The students of FlowForward are fearless. But how long can this approach continue? We don’t make our students hold bake sales to raise money for toilet paper or urinals. We don’t expect them to walk around campus with hot glue guns to rig up paper towel dispensers. And nobody has to prove ‘soap poverty.’ We make these things readily available because people need them. It’s a matter of basic human dignity – and the ability to go to class, go to work, and participate in campus life.”
Esther Campi, UNC Professor of the Practice
FAQs
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Menstrual equity - also referred to as period equity - is the principle that all people who menstruate have equal access to affordable, accessible, and safe menstrual products, education, and healthcare.
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In the United States alone, 22 million women live in poverty, making it difficult to afford basic necessities such as pads and tampons. Survey data shows that 20% of college students cannot afford period products, potentially forcing them to choose between education, food security, and their period. By providing this essential access at UNC, we remove this burden from students in this situation. Moreover, for students who can afford products but may get their period unexpectedly due to a chronic condition, birth control, or hormonal therapy, we release a sense of worry that may come when attending class.
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Yes! Anyone on UNC’s campus - student, staff, faculty, alumni, visitors, etc. - are allowed to use our products. We ask that individuals only take what they need and do not damage our bin signage or containers.
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Check out our map! We have products in 20 bathrooms across academic buildings, libraries, and recreational spaces. In the Student Union, you will find our wall-mounted dispensers in a total of 3 women’s bathrooms. For menstruators who don’t use women’s bathrooms, we have products in the 3rd floor gender neutral bathroom in Davis Library and the 1st floor single-stall bathroom in the Health Sciences Library.
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