The solution.

From 1 July 2024, the tariff on the import of period products will be abolished in Australia. Until now, these products have attracted a tariff of 5% on the $211 million worth of imports.

The City of Adelaide is working with Youth Inc. and TABOO to address period poverty across the city, with free period products (pads and tampons) and educational resources available across six council sites.

These including the North Adelaide, Hutt Street, City Libraries, Minor Works Building and Box Factory community centres.

The Canadian government has announced that it will update its Labour Code to require all federally regulated employers to make menstrual products available to workers at no cost while they are in the workplace. This means putting free pads and tampons in toilets so that any worker who needs them while at work can use them.

Source: Canadian Government

The Total Access to Menstrual Products Act requires that all female-designated bathrooms in the state of New York provide feminine hygiene products at no cost.

Other legislation has already mandated that menstrual products are freely available in public schools, homeless shelters, and prisons.

Source: New York Senate

In November 2020, Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free for anyone who needs them.

The Scottish Parliament passed the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill that allows anyone who needs period products to get them free of charge. It has become law that local authorities must provide free products in an easy and dignified way. It aims to reduce period poverty and the effects of stigma attached to menstruation.

The products will be made available in all educational and other public institutions, such as pharmacies and community centres. It is estimated the scheme will cost around 24 million pounds per year (AU$44 million).

“In a society as rich as Scotland’s no one should have to suffer the indignity of not having the means to meet their basic needs.  We also want to continue to reduce the stigma and address the overarching gender equality and dignity issues that affect everyone who menstruates, regardless of their income.” 
(Scottish Communities Secretary, Aileen Campbell)

Source: Scottish Parliament

Spain has become the first European country to grant menstrual leave, joining countries including Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Zambia. Women in Spain now have the right to three days of leave if they experience painful periods.

Source: Politico

Hobart City Council is partnering with Share the Dignity to provide free menstrual products. Known as #pinkbox, the free vending machine is installed in a public place that is convenient and safe, has high visitation, and is regularly used by young people and people experiencing homelessness.

Source: Hobart City News

The City of Melbourne is piloting the provision of free menstrual products in a number of its public facilities from 10 September 2021.The sites include public changing rooms, recreation centres, swimming pools, community centres and libraries.

Source: Community Health-Support-Services – Gender Equality – Period Poverty

In July 2020, the South African Government made free sanitary products available to vulnerable women and girls in poor communities.

The South African Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disability, has developed an integrated framework to provide sanitary products to ensure that every girl and woman has the opportunity to manage menstruation in a knowledgeable, safe and dignified manner.

The Sanitary Dignity Framework also committed to the provision of clean and reliable supply of water and access to clean, safe toilets with toilet paper, and somewhere to dispose safely of used products. It also provided for education on sanitary dignity to include men and boys, families, communities and community leaders, via the education curriculum and awareness campaigns.

Source: South African Government

World Health Organisation calls for menstrual health to be recognised as a human rights issue

On 22 June, the World Health Organisation called for menstrual health to be recognised, framed and addressed as a health and human rights issue, not a hygiene issue (WHO)

It urges governments to “…make schools, workplaces and public institutions supportive of managing menstruation with comfort and dignity.’ And that they, “…should normalise menstruation and break the silence around it.”

Eliminating Period Poverty:  Relevant International Agreements and the Sustainable Development Goals

• International Conference on Human Rights Tehran, Republic of Iran (1968)
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979)
• Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (1994)
• Beijing Platform for Action (1995)

A number of South Australian councils are offering rebates for reusable sanitary products. Tea Tree Gully and Holdfast Bay Councils, for example, will provide households with a one-off 50% rebate on sanitary pads, sanitary cups, leak-proof underwear and wet bags up to a maximum of $100.

In addition to installing dispensing machines in all public schools the Victorian Government has now committed to provide free pads and tampons at sites including public hospitals, libraries, TAFEs, courts, train stations and major cultural institutions.

Source: Dan Andrews’ website

Free period products will soon be provided for all public primary and secondary schools in Western Australia.
Source:  Free-period-products-for-WA-public-primary-schools

.”

Under Indonesian labour laws, since 2003, female workers who feel pain during their menstrual period are not obliged to go to work on the first and second day of their period.

Source: Indonesian Labour Law – Act 13 of 2003 (ilo.org)

The Municipal Assembly of Lisbon, Portugal has announced (14 March 2022) that it will distribute free reusable pads and cups to over 100 public schools across the city. It will also embark on campaigns to seek to combat disinformation and stigma surrounding menstruation.

https://www.portugal.com/news/socialist-partys-proposal-approved-in-lisbon-free-reusable-period-products-provided-to-public-school-students/

The Queensland Government is partnering with Share the Dignity to provide free stocked vending machines in all state schools, outdoor and environmental education centres in Queensland.  

https://education.qld.gov.au/students/student-health-safety-wellbeing/student-health/share-the-dignity

Elizabeth Grove Primary School and Hallett Cove R-12 School have established Sanitary Products School Committments to support the provision of sanitary products in accessible places around their schools. This includes a commitment that school staff will allow students ready access to period products without comment.

The Government of South Australia has announced a $1.2 cash boost for sports clubs to invest in menstrual products and education. Recreation, sport and fishing clubs can apply for up to $3000 to provide period products, flexible uniform, or menstrual health training as part of the government’s Active Club Program to encourage women’s participation in sport.

In March 2022, the New South Wales government announced it will invest $30 million to ensure students who menstruate have access to free period products in all public schools.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/free-menstrual-hygiene-products-for-public-schools