Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, March 26, 2024
In a move aimed at ensuring that young women do not miss education due to a lack of access to period products, the Coalition government will provide $2.9 million, Education Minister Erica Stanford has said.
The funding, from within Education Ministry baselines, will provide certainty to schools and young women who rely on the availability of period products.
Ms Stanford said that the investment would address period poverty.
Period poverty, a global phenomenon, refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints, which can result in significant challenges for individuals, particularly in educational settings. It transcends geographical and socio-economic boundaries, although its manifestations may vary depending on local contexts.
Period poverty can have severe consequences on health and education. Without access to proper menstrual hygiene products, affected women may start using unhygienic alternatives and miss school or work during their periods, impacting their education, employment opportunities, and overall well-being.
Dignity and equal opportunity
Ms Stanford emphasised the importance of dignity and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender in a statement issued on March 25, 2024.
“This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women do not have to miss out on school because of something as simple as having access to period products,” she said.
Citing estimates from the University of Otago, she said that up to 95,000 young women in New Zealand could be affected by the lack of access to period products, potentially leading to missed school days and hindered educational opportunities.
The initiative, which allows intermediate, secondary and Maori (Kura) schools to opt for the scheme has benefited about 200,000 students.
Ms Stanford said that continuing the initiative will ensure that young women have the resources they need to engage fully in their education.
Normalising conversations
Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston agreed, highlighting the detrimental effects of period poverty on the well-being of students and their academic performance.
“A lack of access to period products can be extremely stressful, disruptive and can impact the confidence of students,” she said.
Ms Upston emphasised the importance of normalising conversations around menstruation and ensuring that young women access the necessary products without stigma or embarrassment.
The initiative is a part of a much-needed discussion around a significant issue affecting millions of people globally. Many families cannot afford menstrual hygiene products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.
Period poverty intersects with other forms of inequality, including gender inequality, socioeconomic disparities, and lack of access to healthcare.
The effects create a cyclical pattern, where girls who miss school due to menstruation fall behind in their studies, leading to further educational challenges, and worsening the state of poverty.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
