From June, a programme to offer free period products to school students is to be expanded nationwide.
Hamilton’s Fairfield College is one of 15 schools and kura in the Waikato region that was part of the Access to Period Products pilot scheme, which started in term three last year. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti made the announcement about the programme’s expansion at Fairfield College earlier today.
“Young people should not miss out on their education because of something that is a normal part of life for half the population,” said Ardern.
“Removing barriers to healthy, active, educational outcomes for children and young people is an important part of the Government’s Youth and Wellbeing Strategy.”
Over 3000 young people were provided with period products during the pilot.
“Feedback from the pilot noted that providing choice was important, both in types of products and the way they are accessed,” commented Tinetti.
“Students also said they wanted information about periods, period products, and other practical elements of managing their period such as tracking and knowing when and who to reach out to for assistance.”
The Ministry of Education will work with suppliers to manage a phased rollout of the scheme, with period products available towards the end of Term 2 for schools and kura that opt-in by March of this year. Those schools and kura that do not initially choose to take up the initiative will continue to be able to opt-in to the initiative at a later date.
In 2019 the Scottish government agreed to fund free menstrual products for young people at schools, colleges and universities throughout the country, and in 2020 England, Wales and parts of Canada followed suit.
