Free period products on the way
by Hazel Gavigan
 
Senator Rebecca Moynihan, who tabled the Bill, explained that many women could not afford period products and had to go without, which was detrimental to their mental health.
Senator Rebecca Moynihan, who tabled the Bill, explained that many women could not afford period products and had to go without, which was detrimental to their mental health.

Period products will be accessible to all from public service buildings including schools and education institutions if a new Bill is enacted.

 

The Period Products (Free Provisions) Bill, introduced in the Seanad last month, would also oblige the health minister to run an information campaign to ensue people know where to obtain the products.

 

Senator Rebecca Moynihan, who tabled the Bill, explained that many women could not afford period products and had to go without, which was detrimental to their mental health.

 

“My period justice bill aims to ensure that everybody can access period products, at no cost, whenever they’re required. We can reduce and eradicate period poverty in our lifetime, and this bill aims to make meaningful change for those who need it,” she said.

 

The British Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also highlighted the high cost of period products. Sian Elliot, its women’s equality officer, menstruation was treated as a private matter despite affecting half the world’s population.

 

“The financial burden of having a period is felt acutely by the most vulnerable. Women struggling to make ends meet in low-paid, precarious work. Girls living in low income households. Asylum seekers, refugees and homeless people. No one should be excluded from participating in education, work or society because of their period,” she said.

 

A separate Government bill, which would require the health department to introduce a free period products scheme, was also introduced this week. Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee commended the work of voluntary groups who have been filling the gap so far. “The Government is now stepping up to the mark and will provide these products free to all who need them,” she said.

 

Senator Moynihan also launched a survey examining the causes of period poverty. It aims to calculate the severity of the issue across the country, as well as identify potential solutions. You can participate here.

 

 

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