New Zealand is taking a radical step in support of young women. By 2021, every school in the country will be able to opt into a program offered by the Ministry of Education. What is this new program, aimed at helping women? Students will have access to sanitary pads and tampons–for free (1).
Note On Terms
This article uses the term “people who menstruate” to be inclusive of trans men, and gender-fluid and gender non-binary individuals. All of these people may need menstruation products, without identifying as “women” or “girls.” Additionally, using “girls” or “women” to refer to people with a menstrual cycle leaves out trans women and cis women who may not have a functioning reproductive system.
Almost 10% Can’t Attend School As Needed
A 2019 New Zealand survey, conducted by the Adolescent Health Research Group, had distressing results. They were looking at 7894 young people, of which 7721 were students in Year 9-Year 13 (that’s the New Zealand equivalent of high school–ages 13-17).
The study reported that from those 7721 students, 12% of those who menstruated had trouble finding the supplies they needed for their cycle. Over 8% missed class because of lack of access to things like tampons or sanitary napkins. (1, 2, 3)
How Do They Cope?
Low-income New Zealand schools report that some of their menstruating students are using things like fabric scraps, newspapers, and toilet paper as makeshift sanitary napkins. Consequently, It’s 15 of these schools, from the Waikato region, that will be the “test run” for this program. These schools have been identified as those in greatest need. They will be receiving free sanitary supplies at the start of the third term, July 20th, 2020. (1, 3)
Dignity
The “gendered financial burden” low-income students face “has shown to increase absenteeism,” according to Miranda Hitchings. Hitchings is a co-founder of Dignity, which is a New Zealand nonprofit that has provided schools with menstrual supplies in the past. “It’s a fantastic investment from our government.” she says. “However, this is just the beginning.” Hitchings is hoping that people will think about others who may face this struggle. “Period poverty doesn’t just affect students,” she explains. “It’s a subset of poverty, and many other groups, like those experiencing homelessness and income loss, deeply feel the implications from a lack of access to products.” (1)
Financial Burdens
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, “We know that nearly 95,000 nine-to-18-year-olds may stay at home during their periods due to not being able to afford period products.” She believes that through distributing sanitary products, “making them freely available, we support these young people to continue learning at school.”
In addition, Julie Anne Genter, New Zealand’s Minister for Women, agrees. “Menstruation is a fact of life for half the population,” she says. “And access to these products is a necessity, not a luxury.” (1)
How The USA Stacks Up
Similarly, a United States survey commissioned by Thinx Inc, a company known for its period-proof underwear, and non-profit PERIOD has some answers. Here, 25% of students who menstruate, between 13-19 have missed class due to lack of supplies. This compared to the 8% that prompted New Zealand’s legislation. (4)
