The Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center implemented their initiative to add contraceptive dispensers in its bathrooms on March 3 in honor of Women’s History Month and in order to eliminate the stigma associated with sexual health. The products offered include condoms, lube, emergency contraceptives, dental dams, pregnancy tests and other reproductive health products, and all are accessible in these bathrooms free of charge.
This student-led initiative was proposed by Anna Chang (B.A. ‘24), a former undergraduate student and Vandy Sex Ed intern, now studying at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing in the Women’s Health/Gender-Related nurse practitioner program. In a message to The Hustler, Chang said the idea was influenced by her recognition of the need for accessible condom dispensers.
A representative from the Women’s Center said the addition of contraceptive dispensers aligns with the center’s mission to support student-led initiatives and promote inclusive access to sexual health resources.
“We hope this increased accessibility encourages students to have open conversations about sexual health and the different paths to a healthy, informed sexual life — including abstinence or various contraceptive options,” the Women’s Center representative said.
The Women’s Center also hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 3 to celebrate the launch of the dispensers, using the event as an opportunity to engage with students and gather feedback on the initiative.
“It was a great success, and the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, allowing the Women’s Center to better understand and respond to student needs,” the representative said.
The Women’s Center said there is no confirmed timeline for expanding to additional bathrooms at this time.
Chang said her long-term vision for the project includes broader availability across campus.
“[We want to] expand this initiative to other locations on campus, including spots accessible after business hours, so that students can access resources whenever they need them,” Chang said.
Junior Davia Williams, president of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine, voiced her support for the initiative.
“I think this is a really important step in the right direction,” Williams said in a message to The Hustler. “Having these dispensers helps normalize conversations around reproductive health [and helps] students who may not have the time, transportation or privacy to obtain them elsewhere.”
