image source: ontheworldmap.com
The government in New South Wales, Australia has announced a pilot program to provide free menstrual products in 30 government schools. Here is an excerpt from the government press release:
Free menstrual hygiene products will be available to students in two pilot regions in NSW ahead of a wider rollout.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor announced the locations of the trial today at Birrong Girls High School.
Ms Mitchell said the pilot would run in 30 schools across Western Sydney and Dubbo for two terms.
“It’s important no female student feels like they can’t fully participate in all aspects of school life because they do not have access to menstrual hygiene products,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I want to make sure there are no barriers to education for female students just because they get periods.
“Once the pilot is finished we can look at how we roll this service out to all schools in the state.”
Dispensers will be provided with sanitary products including pads and tampons at no cost to schools or students. The department will trial two types of dispensers, which will be placed in the female students’ bathrooms.
The full press release is here.
Victoria, Australia was the first state in the country to do so, beginning with its pilot program in September 2019.
The state of South Australia has also announced that it will make products available for free in all of its schools.
