INVERCLYDE Playing Its Part To End Period PovertyFREE sanitary products are now easily available in all of Inverclyde’s schools, libraries, youth zones and community centres.
The move is part of a nation-wide campaign to end period poverty — when women and girls can’t afford basic sanitary products. Period poverty can have a significant impact on a woman or girl’s hygiene, health and wellbeing.
Councillor Natasha Murphy, vice-convener of Inverclyde Council’s education and communities committee, and Young Peoples’ Champion, said: “Period poverty is a serious health risk which also compromises a woman’s dignity.
“Half of the population has periods but they are a topic that no-one wants to talk about. In the UK nearly 138,000 children have missed school because of period poverty. “If you are female, period poverty affects your education, your ability to work and your ability to socialise.
“This initiative is hugely welcome. Girls should be able to focus on their education and their future without being worried or embarrassed about their periods. Women should not have to make the choice between putting dinner on the table and providing sanitary products for themselves and their daughters.”
Sanitary products are now available in primary and secondary schools from medical rooms, staff rooms, reception areas, pupil support areas and toilets. The products are all accessible without having to ask a member of staff and can be accessed in private.
The initiative is part of a Scottish Government scheme to provide free sanitary products in every school, college and university.
