In 2021 the UK’s ‘tampon tax’ was abolished and a zero VAT rate was introduced on feminine hygiene products. But amidst soaring inflation and energy costs this year, many people have been forced to prioritize other household essentials. A new survey commissioned by ActionAid UK to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022 has found that nearly one in eight (12%) women in the UK have struggled to buy menstrual products for themselves and/or their dependents in the last six months. In response to this serious problem, schools across the UK are offering menstrual product schemes…
Scotland has passed the Menstrual Products Act to become the first region to provide universal access to women’s menstrual products.
I contacted Will, a student at the University of Edinburgh, on social media and she said, “We can find the link to free period on the school website and receive several free sanitary products provided by Hey girls, delivered directly to our homes by filling in our student email address.” In addition to this, there are full packs of sanitary towels available in every bathroom at the university according to the legislation, “I don’t have to panic and look for a shop to buy sanitary towels when I get my period unexpectedly anymore, it’s a really bad feeling.” She said.
Many schools in England have also joined forces with student organizations and relevant agencies to provide students with menstrual products. I found out that it was a school event to support students during the cost of living crisis, and one of the events has always been to provide feminine hygiene products.” The event was organized by the Vice President of Welfare Taruna Bangia, who, in consultation with key members of the Students’ Union, was successful in securing funding from the University to provide basic sanitary products to students free of charge, based on feedback from students.
The launch of York’s trial to tackle period poverty was made in consultation with the student-led Free the Flow campaign. Although York has previously provided free menstrual products on campus, these were only available on an ad hoc basis at College and Student Union receptions. From April this year, these products will be available from vending machines on busy streets in three locations: the Library foyer, the Spring Lane building and the Ron Cooke Hub continuing throughout the summer term.
“Students across the country face a myriad of financial obstacles, but no one should have to compromise their studies for their periods.” Patrick O’Donnell, President of the York Students’ Union.
My roommate Cecilia, an Imperial student, mentioned in conversation, “Basically free tampons and tampons can be found in the school washrooms and library, even if they are used up and not replenished in time, pads and tampons can be purchased through the vending machines on the ground floor.”
The school’s promotion of the free sanitary products programme not only helps students in menstrual poverty and eases their living expenses. Those girls who feel ashamed of their periods no longer have to clutch their sanitary products tightly in their hands for fear of being seen.
Menstruation is not an option and sanitary towels should not be a “luxury”. They should not be discussed only in the context of the washroom, as if they were somehow taboo. Menstrual programmes and trials in schools will make these issues a thing of the past…