You may be reading this because you’ve noticed or used one of our Menstruation Stations, which are self-serve cabinets placed by us in easy-to-reach locations. Welcome! Neighborhood Feminists launched the Menstruation Stations project in August 2021 to better meet the rising need for period products. These cabinets can now be found across Amsterdam, with more to come. They’re stocked with free period products for anyone in need, no questions asked.

Is there a Menstruation Station near me?

Why Menstruation Stations?

Period poverty is all too real in neighborhoods across Amsterdam (and the Netherlands, for that matter). As proud as we are to live here, we also know that 1 in 5 people in this city live below the poverty line, and 2022 quantitative research concluded that 27% of Amsterdammers who menstruate struggle to afford period products. We find that unacceptable anywhere, but certainly in such an otherwise wealthy city. Through these Menstruation Stations, we’ve broadened our fight to end period poverty by making products available in public locations accessible to a wider population. 

But what’s period poverty?

Period poverty is the lack of regular access to needed period products and/or insufficient access to information on maintaining good menstrual health. Attention is increasing for the problem of period poverty; left unaddressed, it deepens the gender gap in education and work. Amsterdam’s own city council members formally passed a bill in March 2023 rightly recognizing that “access to menstrual products is a basic need and lack of access has negative effects on health…and contributes to gender inequity.”

We believe fighting period poverty is important, because it is as much a matter of equality as it is a matter of public health. People who menstruate need period products. They should be as easily available as toilet paper. We want to ensure this fundamental need is met for everyone who menstruates, so we’ve been taking action to help those in need now.

How do Menstruation Stations work?

Menstruation Stations are stocked with pads and tampons of assorted sizes. The idea is simple: anyone who needs products can go to a Menstruation Station and grab what they need to take home with them. We urge people to take whatever full package they need, knowing that they can use it at home and come back for more whenever it is finished. 

What’s the average cost for a Menstruation Station?

We depend on donations. We use 100% of the individual donations we receive to place bulk orders, benefiting from discounts and savings. As a result, we’ve been able to keep the prices of Menstruation Stations to a minimum. For just €40 a month, a Menstruation Station can be kept fully stocked. Of course, this cost will vary across Stations as some are placed in areas with heavier foot traffic, meaning they will need to be restocked more frequently. A full Menstruation Station contains enough products for at least 10 people’s full monthly menstrual cycles, while serving many more as most people take just 1 packaged product at a time.

How can I get a Menstruation Station at my location?

We place Menstruation Stations in public and community locations throughout the city, such as at community centers, shelters, cultural venues, healthcare providers, and more. If you are interested in having an MS at your location, check out this short overview of our conditions, and send us an email! Then we look at the possibilities together.

How you can help

  • Support us with a financial donation, so we can continue to buy these needed items! As mentioned, we are able to place bulk orders, so by donating your money directly to us, we are able to make sure it goes a longer way. Find out more here.
  • Persuade your employer to support us! If you can persuade your company to get behind community support with direct impact, it’s just €500 to maintain one Menstruation Station for a full year. Any unspent funds (due to getting better deals in bulk, for example) will go toward expanding our Menstruation Stations project. You can let your employer know we have ANBI status, so their donation is tax-deductible, and they can review our annual reports to have a look at our finances.
  • Become a volunteer, and help us get more products to more locations across Amsterdam. If you have a driver’s license (a car is optional!), drop us a line here.

All Menstruation Stations in Amsterdam

Below you will find a list of all MS locations in Amsterdam, per city district (stadsdeel)!

ZUIDOOST

Kazerne Reigersbos De Kazerne is a cultural center and breeding ground in Reigersbos where people have the opportunity to come together, Remmerdenplein 100, 1106 AK Amsterdam. There are three cabinets at this location. Inside in the hallway next to the toilets, inside in the shared area/kitchen, and outside at the back of the building. The cabinets are accessible to everyone who has access to the building through the organizations that are active there.

OSCAM museum for art, fashion, design, craftsmanship and development, Bijlmerplein 110, 1102 DB Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs on the wall inside the toilets. It is accessible to the public during opening hours.

Carabic Carabic’s core focus is to initiate, facilitate, connect, strengthen, inspire and carry out activities aimed at social self-sufficiency, integration and participation in the broadest sense of the word, especially of vulnerable Caribbean and Muslim women and children in Amsterdam Zuidoost and beyond, but they are concerned with all population groups in this society. Reigersbos 34, 1106 AS Amsterdam (please note: the cabinet is at the back of the building on the parking lot side). The cabinet hangs outside right next to the entrance. It is available 24/7.

COA The A&O Hostel in Amsterdam Southeast is temporarily deployed to provide emergency shelter to asylum seekers, Hogehilweg 22, 1101 CK Amsterdam. The cabinet is inside the first hallway to the left of the counter, past the elevator. It is available to the asylum seekers who are hosted at the location.

Buurthuis Holendrecht Community center for residents, volunteers and professionals who organize educational, creative, artistic, fun and/or cultural activities for residents of Amsterdam Zuidoost, Holendrechtplein 38, 1106 LP Amsterdam. In front of the counter (in the main entrance). Accessible to visitors and residents of Amsterdam Zuidoost. Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00 – 20:00 / Sat: 09:00 – 17:00.

Buurthuis NoLIMIT NoLIMIT is an inspiring organization steeped in international culture and art. A place where young and old(er) can develop themselves to move on to subsequent courses and (international) artists can find a stage. NoLIMIT works together with major art, culture, music, education and care organizations to promote the personal growth of young people. Ambassadors are linked to young people to support their development. In addition, apprenticeships will be expanded and administrative positions will be created for young people. Geldershoofd 80, 1103 BG Amsterdam. In the hall – Outside the toilets. Accessible to visitors and residents of Amsterdam Zuidoost. Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 09:00 – 22:00 / Fri: 09:00 – 17:00 / Sat: 13:00 – 17:00.

Green Meal Initiative Non-profit organization founded to help vulnerable women who are denied access to food rights programs in the Netherlands. Entrada 300, 1115 SB Amsterdam & Haag en Veld 195, 1102 GK Amsterdam. In the office of Green Meal Initiative. Accessible to visitors of Green Meal Initiative and the people they serve. Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 08:00 – 18:00.

Stichting Boafo (at Reigersbos Medical Center) A compassionate and dedicated organization committed to supporting both documented and undocumented individuals facing various challenges. With a firm belief in the inherent worth and potential of every person, we strive to provide comprehensive assistance to those with low incomes and limited documentation. Our foundation’s mission is centred on empowering individuals to achieve financial stability, pursue the path to citizenship, and access the resources they need for a better future. Reigersbos 100 K, 1107 ES Amsterdam. Available to all visitors of the medical center and of Stichting Boafo. Opening hours: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 17:00.

OOST

Here to Support Head offices Here to Support wants to establish connections with refugees in limbo and various organizations in the field of education and knowledge, artistic projects and lobbying and advocacy, Afrikanerplein 1, 1091 PN Amsterdam. The cabinet is in the bathroom next to the kitchen. It is available to people visiting the building during opening hours.

BOOST BOOST is a social initiative of Amsterdam refugees and local residents. Together they organize a dynamic, welcoming meeting place and a diverse daily program focused on language, integration and perspective, Danie Theronstraat 2, 1091XX Amsterdam. The cabinet is on the first floor in the ladies’ toilet. It is intended for asylum seekers and local residents who menstruate.

Productiehuis Nowhere Nowhere is a production house in East Amsterdam. We believe that young people are the carriers and drivers of cultural innovation. That is why we make programs and offer facilities for young makers and the talent of tomorrow, Madurastraat 90, 1094 GS Amsterdam. There are two cabinets at this location. One hangs outside on the wall near the entrance. The second is located inside at the entrance of the toilet area. The outside cabinet is accessible 24/7 and the inside cabinet is accessible during opening hours for users of the building and visitors/public.

Wereldmoeders! At Wereldmoeders! undocumented mothers can meet and be supported in an accessible way, Javastraat 118A, 1094 HP Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs on the wall opposite the toilets. It is accessible to the undocumented mothers who gather at this location.

We Are Queer A gym where we keep binary divisions out, Wagenaarstraat 336, 1093 CZ Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs in the gender-neutral toilet room. It is accessible to users of the gym during opening hours.

Trans Amsterdam (location Meevaart) We are a trans organization for art, culture and lifestyle in Amsterdam, Balistraat 48A , 1094 JN Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs outside on the wall. It is available 24/7 to visitors and public.

Dynamo Steve Bikoplein The place in the neighborhood for and by residents, Steve Bikoplein 2, 1092 GN Amsterdam. The cabinet is in the front room. It is accessible to local residents and the public during opening hours.

Nieuwland De Nieuwland is a project in the Dapperbuurt (Amsterdam East) consisting of a residential group, workshops and a socio-political neighborhood center. We offer space to non-commercial activities organized by volunteers based on self-motivation and solidarity, Pieter Nieuwlandstraat 93, 1093 XN Amsterdam. The cabinet is located just outside the toilet in the hallway. It is accessible to visitors and initiators during opening hours.

SAG Ijburg/Haveneiland Haveneiland Health Center is part of the SAG: Amsterdam Health Centers Foundation. We offer general practitioner care to Amsterdammers from 18 locations. IJburglaan 727, 1087 CH Amsterdam. The cabinet is located outside the toilets on the ground floor. It is accessible to the public during opening hours.

The Black Archives ​The Black Archives is a unique historical archive where people can go for inspiring conversations, substantive activities and books from black and other perspectives that are often underexposed elsewhere. Zeeburgerdijk 19B, 1093 SK Amsterdam. In the main entrance of the building. Accessible to visitors of The Black Archives. Opening hours: Thu – Sat: 11:00 – 17:00

Wereldhuiskamer (SET Ijburg) The Wereldhuiskamer is an informal, organically grown community center with a lively and worldly ‘for the neighborhood by the neighborhood’ activities program. The WHK is a place where status holders and all other local residents meet each other, work together, can practice Dutch and develop themselves and has now grown into an Amsterdam example of informal integration and connection. Erich Salomonstraat 135-151, 1087 JA Amsterdam Outside in the garden at the blue free library cupboard. Accessible to residents, community visitors and the public. Always available.

Stichting De Kids Van Amsterdam Stichting De Kids van Amsterdam Oost (KvAO) is a community of children and young people aged 5-25 where the focus is on the talent development of Dance, Theater and Music. Koninklijk instituut vd Tropen, Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam. In the gender-neutral toilet of Stichting De Kids Van Amsterdam. Accessible for visitors of Stichting De Kids Van Amsterdam and the public. Opening hours: Mon – Tue 15:00 – 21:30 / Wed 14:00 – 22:00 / Thu 16:00 – 22:00 / Fri 10:00 – 21:00 / Sat 09:30 – 14:00 / Sun closed.

WEST

Vluchtelingenwerk Refugees and asylum seekers who come to live or are taken care of in the municipality of Amsterdam are helped on their way by the West and Central Netherlands Council for Refugees. Our employees guide them through their asylum procedure, accommodation, integration, language and work. We also provide information about and with refugees. Surinameplein 122, 1058 GV Amsterdam. The cabinet is in the hallway near the toilets. It is accessible to visitors during opening hours.

Bar Bario In addition to an inclusive bar, we have a gallery that we offer as a creative space for collaboration. We encourage everyone to share their suggestions, ideas and projects with us: we hope to organize events and showcase your work with you. We strive to be a safe place for everyone. Bilderdijkstraat 186, 1053 LD Amsterdam. There is a cabinet is each of the two (non-gendered) toilets. It is accessible to visitors during opening hours.

De Sering De Sering is a folk kitchen, public space and whatever you want to make of it. Rhoneweg 6, 1043 AH Amsterdam. The cabinet is located just outside the toilet area. It is accessible to the public during opening hours.

RGOA The Regiegroep supervises and monitors the implementation of municipal and national policy on undocumented migrants in Amsterdam. Together with our partners, we are working on a sustainable future for undocumented migrants in Amsterdam. Houtmankade 334, 1013 RR Amsterdam. The cabinet is located just outside the toilets on the ground floor. It is accessible to visitors during opening hours.

KLABU KLABU is a young organisation based in Amsterdam, a social start-up with a scalable business model to power positive change. We work directly with refugee communities around the world, who lead their own projects. Haarlemmerdijk 106, 1013 JH Amsterdam. Inside the gender neutral toilet. Accessible to visitors and public. Opening hours: 11:00 – 18:00.

Villa Mina This building is a home for WLINTA* (Women, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, Agender) people only, and the new political space for AFGA (Anarcha Feminist Group Amsterdam). Kanaalstraat 128, 1054 XM Amsterdam. Inside the gathering space located on the right of the entrance. Accessible to inhabitants and visitors. Opening times: contact the location.

NIEUW-WEST

Stichting Sportpark de Eendracht The Nieuw-West district wants to turn Sportpark De Eendracht into an innovative, contemporary and lively sports park that has an important link with the surrounding neighbourhoods. Bok de Korverweg 4, 1067 HR Amsterdam. There are two cabinets at this location. The first hangs outside close to the entrance to the park on a gate next to the mailbox. The second hangs inside the women’s toilet a little further next to the football field. Both cabinets are available to visitors of the sports park during opening hours.

AZC Willinklaan Asylum seekers center temporarily located in the Willinklaan until the new asylum seekers center in the Houthaven is ready. In the planned centre, the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) offers space for a maximum of 500 people for a minimum of 15 years. Willinklaan 3, 1067 SL Amsterdam. In the little hall going to the toilets of the cafe Coffee Connect. Accessible to visitors and inhabitants of the center. Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 18:00.

Doenja Girls and women’s center, Jan de Louterstraat 13, 1063 KX Amsterdam. In the entrance. Accessible to visitors of Doenja and public. Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 09:30 – 17:00.

Nisa for Nisa is an independent organization for women and girls that focuses on their emancipation and participation in society. Nisa for Nisa wants to create the conditions under which women can be supported in this development process. In order to be more resilient and to achieve more self-determination. Special attention is paid to women who need extra support in this process. Chris Lebeaustraat 4, 1062 DC Amsterdam Ground floor, in the office of the Stichting Nisa for Nisa. Accessible to visitors of Nisa for Nisa. Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00 – 15:00.

Vrouw en Vaart is the development center for and by women who live, work in Amsterdam Nieuw West. It is the place where women like to come to develop themselves. Here women find time to invest in themselves, learn, earn their own money or meet other women. All women from the age of 15 years and older from Nieuw West are welcome to meet in Vrouw en Vaart. Almost daily, Vrouw en Vaart offers numerous activities or meetings in which only women participate. Many women look forward to meeting other women. That is possible in Vrouw en Vaart. Women are never alone here. President Allendelaan 733, 1068 VN Amsterdam. At the entrance on the right. Accessible for visitors of Vrouw en Vaart and public. Opening hours: Mon 08:30 – 17:00 Tue 08:30 – 17:00 Wed 08:30 – 16:30 Thu 08:30 – 17:00 Fri 08:30 – 16:30

NOORD

Stichting Theaterzaal de Rietwijker A former community center where you can now also find small entrepreneurs and theater and music companies. Parlevinker 9, 1034 PX Amsterdam. There are two cabinets at this location. One hangs outside next to the entrance near the mailbox. The second hangs inside near the toilets. The inside one is accessible during opening hours and the outside one is accessible to the public 24/7.

Huis van de Wijk de Banne A Huis van de Wijk is a meeting place for people from the neighbourhood. And there is plenty to do. It is always fun in the Huis van de Wijk De Banne. There is something different to do almost every day. You are welcome for a cup of coffee or a good conversation with one of the DOCK colleagues. Our youth workers and social workers in Amsterdam North-West, North-East and Oud-Noord are ready for you every day. The youth workers of DOCK regularly walk rounds through the neighborhood. In addition, we are easily accessible digitally to start the conversation with you. Bezaanjachtplein 243, 1034 DN Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs inside near the toilets in the hallway. It is accessible to visitors during opening hours.

De Verbroederij The VerbroederIJ has become a place for special encounters. Where everyone feels welcome and where we get it done together. Where you can work hard, learn from each other and share. Or where you can just hang out with a good book by the stove or have a nice conversation in the sun on the terrace. We do not do it alone and are very happy with our partners. Johan van Hasseltweg 21, 1021 KN Amsterdam. The cabinet is located outside the toilets. It is accessible to visitors during opening hours.

Diereneiland (Stichting Spin) is a petting zoo, playground and community room in one. Surrounded by water, Diereneiland is a beautiful green and social island, in the middle of the Molenwijk in Amsterdam North. The Neighborhood Room is the beating heart of the Molenwijk. It is a space where all residents of the Molenwijk, young and old, can go for a delicious meal, a fun activity, or just a cup of coffee, a good conversation, on the terrace, looking out over the water. Residents themselves can organize all kinds of activities there. Molenwijk 11, 1035 EE Amsterdam Ground floor – in the entrance hall of the building. Accessible to visitors to Animal Island. Opening hours: (from April 1 to October 1) Monday and Friday from 12:00 to 18:00 / Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00 / Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 (from October 1 to April 1) Monday and Friday from 12:00 to 17:00 / Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 17:00 / Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00

ZUID

Vossiusstraat 16 Vossiusstraat 16 is a squatted building belonging to a Russian billionaire whose assets have been frozen because he was allegedly involved in financing the war against Ukraine. The group that squatted this property puts an emphasis on creating spaces that are intersectional and inclusive for all. Vossiusstraat 16, 1071 BN Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs outside at the entrance and is accessible to the public 24/7.

Hvo Querido De Boelelaan HVO-Querido supports people to regain control over their lives and to keep it after a period of disruption. We offer shelter, guidance and day activities. In a former hotel on the Boelelaan, HVO-Querido welcomes more than four hundred refugees from Ukraine. It is the largest location for emergency shelter in Amsterdam. De Boelelaan 2, 1083 HJ Amsterdam. The cabinet is right outside the toilets. It is accessible to refugees staying there.

CENTRUM

Moses & Aaron Church Since September 2014, the church and the House of Moses are used by the Community of Sant’Egidio, an international lay organization that prays for and works for the poor. Waterlooplein 207, 1011 PG Amsterdam. The cabinet is in the restroom area. It is accessible to visitors during opening hours.

Wereldhuis The Wereldhuis is an advice, information and neighborhood center for people without a residence permit. Nieuwe Herengracht 18, 1018 DP Amsterdam. The cabinet hangs on location the Second Arch (de Tweede Boog). It is accessible to people without a residence permit who are helped by the Wereldhuis.

DIEMEN

Company of Friends Company of Friends has a wide range of projects for undocumented migrants, especially from South America. We offer practical help, information and psychological support. Hartveldseweg 34-B, 1111 BG Diemen. First floor – Inside the office. Only accessible to visitors with appointment during opening hours. Opening hours: Thu: 09:00 – 17:30.