Victorian Government Promises Free Pads And Tampons In State Schools If It’s Re-Elected
"Being able to access sanitary products shouldn’t be a barrier to getting a good education."
The Victorian Labor Government is promising to provide free pads and tampons in government schools if it’s re-elected, which is either incredibly generous or an indication that Daniel Andrews has no idea how much menstrual products cost. They’re saying it’s the right thing to do, though, and they’re right about that: this shit’s expensive, and school kids deserve the resources.
The government announced the promise this morning, saying that “being able to access sanitary products shouldn’t be a barrier to getting a good education”.
We're announcing this. It's an Australian first. It's the right thing to do. pic.twitter.com/yVoxgBVMZs
— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 14, 2018
“While getting your period is a normal part of life, for female students it can cause inconvenience, frustration and embarrassment – especially if it starts unexpectedly when you’re at school.”
“We know that students who do not have access to sanitary products often cannot concentrate in class, may not feel comfortable doing physical activity, or may miss school altogether. It can create unnecessary stress for students trying to navigate finding a tampon or pad, and that may delay regularly changing them, placing them at greater risk of toxic shock or cervical cancer.”
The Labor government says that if it’s re-elected on November 24, free pads and tampons will be available in government schools by term three 2019. The sanitary products will be available in all female, unisex and accessible bathrooms at all government schools in the state.
That will make Victoria the first Australian state to provide free pads and tampons in schools. Scotland implemented a similar program in August, which has been praised for helping to combat “period poverty”, or the problem of people missing school or work entirely because they can’t afford sanitary products.
Between this and all states and territories finally agreeing to scrap the tampon tax by early 2019, things are looking up a bit for menstruating Australians.