WELLINGTON – All schools in New Zealand will offer free period products starting June, as part of efforts to stamp out period poverty.
Authorities are concerned that some female students are skipping classes because they cannot afford products such as tampons and sanitary pads.
“Young people should not miss out on their education because of something that is a normal part of life for half the population,” Prime Minister Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern said.
According to Ardern, one in 12 young people in New Zealand are missing in school due to period poverty. Families with low incomes cannot afford or access suitable period products.
Ardern also said that providing free period products is one way to address poverty, increase school attendance, and “make a positive impact on children’s wellbeing.”(BBC)
