Feb 18, 2021 - World

New Zealand schools to provide free period products

Rebecca Falconer

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield arrive at a press conference at Parliament on February 15, 2021 in Wellington, New Zealand. — Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health director-deneral Ashley Bloomfield arrive for a news conference at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Monday. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

All New Zealand schools will from June provide students with access to free menstrual products following a successful trial, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Thursday.

Why it matters: It's the latest sign a global push to stamp out period poverty by providing menstrual products at no cost or tax-free is gaining momentum.

While NZ is one of the world's wealthiest nations, it's an expensive place to live and there's a housing shortage crisis.

Driving the news: A 2020 report by the charity KidsCan found up to 20,000 Kiwi students struggled to afford period products.

There was concern that some students were avoiding attending class because they couldn't afford menstrual items.
"Young people should not miss out on their education because of something that is a normal part of life for half the population," Ardern said in a statement.
The schools scheme is expected to cost nearly US$18 million over three years.

Go deeper: Scotland becomes first nation to make period products free

Add Axios on Google

New Zealand schools to provide free period products

What to read next