England's National Department for Education announced last week the launch of the government's free sanitary product scheme. The nationwide program will ensure that young girls do not miss classes during their periods due to the inability to procure the necessary sanitary products. In addition to combating "period poverty", the government wants to address the stigma that continues to surround the topic of menstruation. In this regard, the program will provide primary and secondary schools with various free sanitary products that will also include eco-friendly alternatives.
The governmental scheme has been developed in the light of research that shows that 1 in 10 young girls cannot afford menstrual products. Moreover, according to Plan International UK, more than 137,000 children in the UK have missed classes due to "period poverty".
‘This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can’t afford the products they need’, said Michelle Donelan, the minister for children and families.
Amika George, founder of the FreePeriods campaign group, said, ‘We ask that schools have open conversations with students about what they need and start signing up to the scheme – no child must miss out. Free products in schools will ensure that every child can learn and be their very best, without periods holding them back."
Furthermore, Rose Caldwell, chief executive of Plan International UK, emphasized the need for girls to discuss their menstrual needs with their teachers. ‘Our research has found that only one-third (31 per cent) of girls feels comfortable asking teachers for period products, and only half of teachers (52 percent) think their school adequately supports students in managing their periods’. ‘Having access to a range of period products at school will make a very real difference to many girls' lives’, Caldwell added.
The free sanitary products scheme will be replicated in both Scotland and Wales, with Scotland also including universities in their governmental plan.