Baden-Württemberg cities spend up to six figures on free menstrual products

What municipalities offer

Many cities in Baden-Württemberg now provide free tampons and pads in schools, public buildings, and toilets. Dispensers are installed in secondary schools, sports halls, town halls, libraries, and even a wildlife park. Karlsruhe also offers products in youth centres. Tübingen has 26 dispensers across schools and public buildings, while Mannheim has equipped twelve schools with vending machines.

Costs vary widely

Annual spending ranges from 2,300 euros in Pforzheim to a low six-figure sum in Freiburg. Heidelberg spends about 38,000 euros per year, Heilbronn 8,500 euros. Mannheim budgeted 10,000 euros for initial equipment in 2025 and 2026, with refills covered by school operating funds.

Why the programmes were launched

The social ministry warns that limited access to menstrual products can harm health, social participation, and education, especially for low-income people. Cities aim to reduce stigma and promote equality. Freiburg stated:

By providing free menstrual products, we want to break down barriers, promote health and equal opportunities, and support a positive body image.

Uptake and future challenges

Cities report good to very good acceptance. In Konstanz, a 2024 pilot was so popular that dispensers were often emptied quickly, though the programme was later largely discontinued. With public budgets tightening, the future of some offerings is uncertain.