Tackling period poverty in schools: free sanitary products to be available in England

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a scheme to provide free tampons, sanitary pads and other period products in schools and colleges in England. The initiative aims to tackle period poverty, which has been shown to be a cause of absenteeism for young people.

“We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them. This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out,” said Michelle Donelan, the children and families minister.

The DfE said that the scheme has been designed to make access to such products easy, while breaking down stigmas and raising awareness around menstruation. Amika George, the founder of Free Periods, a group that campaigns to end period poverty, stated: “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.”

A recent survey of young adults in the UK said that 42% of 14 to 21 year-olds who menstruate said they had been in situations where they had to use ‘makeshift’ sanitary protection such as fabric, socks and paper. The National Education Union concurs: they claim that more than 137,000 pupils missed school in 2018 because of their period.

From January 20th schools have been able to order products, with the range available to the more than 20,000 schools eligible including environmentally friendly products.

Free period products to be available in schools and colleges in England (The Guardian) DfE to finally rollout free sanitary products scheme next week (FE Week) Schools to offer free tampons and sanitary towels to beat period poverty (Metro) Free period products for all schools and colleges in England (Uk Ed Chat) Period poverty: Schools urged to order free menstrual products (BBC)

Why should this matter to me? This initiative has been introduced in response to a wider call for provisions to tackle practical issues related to poverty to be made in schools. It also comes during a general movement, in schools, to break the taboo around menstruation, and make it easier for young people to feel comfortable talking to their teachers and peers about their needs and health during their periods. This would therefore be a good time to consider approaching schools who are seeking to update their sex education or pastoral care provisions. Schools may also be keen to invest in tools and services that support young people who may, because of their living situations, lack food, school supplies or essential hygiene products.