The Coalition Government has pledged $2.9 million to keep supplying period products to intermediate and secondary schools, according to Education Minister Erica Stanford. She stated that the issue is about dignity and ensuring that young women don’t miss school due to lack of access to period products.
The University of Otago has estimated that nearly 95,000 young women in New Zealand could be missing school for this reason. The initiative, which allows schools to opt-in, will continue to benefit around 200,000 students. Acting Minister for Women, Louise Upston, said this move is a positive step towards tackling period poverty. She emphasised the importance of normalising discussions about periods and ensuring young women can access necessary products without embarrassment.
The $2.9 million funding comes from the Ministry of Education’s budget and will provide stability for schools and the students who depend on these products.
