About the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion's "Women's Body Support: Breeze Project"

2022/03/08

The spread of COVID-19, which began in 2020, has certainly affected Keio University, significantly impacting the economic situation of Keio students. To address this, in addition to various scholarships, the university has implemented initiatives such as distributing "meal tickets" that can be used on campus under the title "Food Support to Protect the Lives of Keio Students," aiming to alleviate the financial distress of families and the anxiety of Keio students living away from home.

Meanwhile, the issue of "period poverty," where women are unable to purchase sanitary products for financial reasons, has been raised by the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office. In parallel with its "Food Support," Keio University distributed free sanitary products at all six campuses in July 2021. While similar initiatives have been implemented at other universities and the distribution followed that trend, the response far exceeded expectations, with the 500 sets prepared reaching their limit in less than half a day after online applications opened. According to the results of a survey of Keio students conducted at that time, in addition to descriptions of the dire situations of students in financial need, there were vivid accounts raising issues about the long-term expenses required only for women to purchase sanitary products, various concerns unique to women's bodies, and questions for society.

In April 2018, Keio University established the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to fulfill the purpose of "building an environment where faculty, staff, and students respect each other's personalities, recognize diverse values, and live together cooperatively, and to promptly address issues related to the acceptance of diversity." While the recent free distribution of sanitary products was carried out by this office, the survey results suggested that the initiative should not be a one-time event, but rather a continuous support system for female students to resolve various anxieties and problems regarding their own "bodies" during their university life.

Based on this situation, the "Women's Body Support: Breeze Project" initiative was born. In other words, it is a stance that seeks to address problem-solving by looking at "women's body support" holistically rather than as a one-off project. This initiative is based on the following five main pillars.

① Introduction of OiTr: OiTr, Inc. has launched a service called OiTr (Oiteru) that provides free sanitary napkins in private toilet stalls at shopping malls, offices, schools, and public facilities nationwide. Keio University began installing these in December 2021. As of January 2022, a total of 71 units have been installed and are in use across all six campuses. Preparations for further expansion are also underway.

② Free Distribution of Sanitary Products: In July 2021, an initiative to provide free sanitary products to female students facing financial anxiety was launched and is being continued. Applications are accepted several times a year, and products are distributed to those who request them. (FY2021 results: 3 times, in July, October, and January)

③ Establishment of the "Women's Body / Men's Body Consultation Room": Focusing on "how to deal with one's own body," a consultation desk was established at the Health Center to address concerns and questions unique to both "women's bodies" and "men's bodies." Specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, breast surgery, and urology are available for consultation.

④ Holding "Women's Body Support" Lectures and Roundtables: Lectures by specialists are held on themes such as "how to deal with one's own body." Additionally, roundtables are held where Keio students, faculty, and staff can interact with specialists. Video archives are also made available for those who could not attend on the day. (FY2021 results: "How to Deal with Your Body" held on October 26, "The Relationship Between Women's Bodies and Hormones" held on January 26)

⑤ Implementation of "Women's Body Support" Surveys: Emphasizing that the catalyst for this project was the content of a survey for Keio students, we intend to continue conducting regular surveys for Keio students and reflect the results in the project's activities.

In addition to publicizing these activities in an easy-to-understand manner, a dedicated site has been opened within the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion website to raise broad awareness of the project's existence.

◆Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion "Women's Body Support: Breeze Project" Website

By continuing this project, the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion aims to proactively promote the "wellness of Keio students, faculty, and staff through body maintenance support" from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, in accordance with the spirit of the "Charter for the Promotion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," we intend to continue implementing various activities to further enhance the environment for equity, diversity, and inclusion within Keio.