Not just a theory
The project took 5 months and included the comprehensive design and implementation of a social campaign aimed at drawing the attention of the academic community to the problem of menstrual poverty. The topic proposed by Zuzanna Kochanowska is exceptionally current and in line with the observed anti-discrimination strategy of the University of Lodz, as an open university that respects the needs of students.
I took photos of 52 pink boxes in three towns in the Lodz Voivodeship (Kleszczów, Radomsko, Lodz), conducted research interviews about menstruation, established cooperation with the foundation and a science club, created the photo book "Miesiączkowo" from scratch and organised a campaign to collect menstrual products!
– Zuzanna describes her project.
In her BA thesis, the author of the research focused not only on the economic aspects of menstrual poverty, but also on the individual experiences of menstruating people – their emotions, feelings and experiences accompanying them during their first menstruation.
The next stop – "Miesiączkowo"
The student, guided by her enthusiasm and knowledge acquired during her studies, combined her organisational and artistic skills to create a valuable and socially useful tool presenting various aspects of menstruation. The photo book "Miesiączkowo" not only touches on a taboo topic, but also educates and inspires conversation about an important topic, which is menstrual poverty in Poland.
During the almost six months of work on the campaign, Zuzanna started cooperation with the Różowa Skrzyneczka Foundation and the Anty-Rama Gender Studies Feminist Science Club. One of the key elements of the campaign was the organisation of a collection of menstrual products at the Faculty of Philology.
We had the same goal – we wanted pink boxes at our faculty. We have managed to collect two boxes full of menstrual products! I am grateful to all the people who supported us during the collection. I can see that menstruating people are keen to use the collected products, but also try to leave products from themselves
– Zuzanna comments.
As a result of Zuzanna's actions, as many as 4 pink boxes appeared at the Faculty of Philology and were placed in selected toilets at the Faculty of Philology of the University of Lodz. The boxes were installed in women's toilets on four floors – from level -1 to level 2 on the south side of the building.
Vision and ambition – the practical dimension of the BA project
Practical activities undertaken by students of the faculty as part of their projects are of great importance not only for the development of their competences and creativity. Zuzanna Kochanowska's social campaign is a clear example of how students can contribute to the fight against important social problems. This is proof that science not only inspires, but also obliges us to use knowledge to improve the condition of our immediate community.
You can support menstruating people at any time by bringing tampons and pads to the pink boxes at the faculty!
– Zuzanna encourages.
Edit: Promotion and Communication Office at the faculty of Philology, University of Lodz
Photo: Zuzanna Kochanowska