Free sanitary products to be stocked in all primary schools from next year

Free sanitary products will be offered to girls in all primary schools in England from early next year, under plans announced today (Tuesday 16 April) by the Department for Education.

This follows an announcement made as part of the spring statement in March that the government would take action on ‘period poverty’ – a lack of access to sanitary necessities due to financial problems – and stock secondary schools and colleges across England with the products

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126880/free-sanitary-products-to-be-stocked-in-secondary-schools-by-government

‘Period poverty’ is a very real problem as one in ten girls (10%) have been unable to afford sanitary wear, whilst one in seven girls (15%) have struggled to afford sanitary products, according to statistics from girls’ rights charity, Plan International UK.

Further statistics show almost half of all girls have missed an entire day of school (49%) because of their period, with the majority of these making up an excuse for their absence (59%).

Currently, free sanitary items can be provided in primary and secondary schools across the country because of the Red Box Project campaign, started by three friends to ensure no girl foregoes her education because of her period.

Red Boxes ensure that their boxes in schools are filled with sanitary pads, tampons and spare underwear so that students will not struggle with affording appropriate menstrual care.

Co-ordinator of the Rochdale Red Box Project, Anna Stokes said: “I am so pleased to hear that the government has now taken the decision to include provision for primary schools too.

“Knowing that all students experiencing period poverty in England, Scotland and Wales, no matter their age, will be able to access what they need to confidently stay in school is great news. Enabling all girls to access their education and everything that comes with that will lead to greater inclusion and hopefully, ultimately equality.

“We know that 22% of children in our borough live in poverty. Education is a basic human right and one factor that we know can help to escape the cycle of perpetuating poverty.

“I am so proud of our project. We have received so much support from people living in our town: local businesses, the Kashmiri Youth Project, supermarkets,  councillors, Matthew Moss Student Health Champions, Rochdale AFC, Tontarelli, Heywood Rotary club, all of our schools and school nurses, all of our donation points, all of our volunteers and donators – the list is endless.

“The community support and kindness shown to this cause is truly heart-warming and has helped show true kindness to girls in need and has ultimately contributed to this change.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us for the difference you have made and continue to help us make.

“We are currently supporting 22 schools in the borough, of which 15 are primaries. We will continue to support our schools and grow our project until the full government roll out in 2020.”

To donate, visit:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/redboxprojectrochdale