Why Neil Mitchell missed the point about Labor’s pre-election promise about free tampons in schools: Susie O’Brien
A pre-election pledge by the Andrews’ government to give out free tampons in schools is a great initiative, but radio host Neil Mitchell is missing the point with his on-air comments, writes Susie O’Brien.
Susie O'Brien
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No, Neil Mitchell, giving girls free tampons isn’t the same as giving boys free razors.
Sanitary products are not a discretionary grooming tool.
They are an essential product and a significant financial burden which is shouldered by girls and women.
Having a fuzzy upper lip is not the same as getting a period every month.
Pads and tampons are not a luxury, they’re a necessity.
NOW WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NON-SEXUAL CONTACT TOO
THE PERSPECTIVE WE NEED TO HAVE, POST-BOURKE ST
COME ON, GIRLS, IT’S TIME TO GET REAL
I really like Neil, and I’m regularly on his morning show on 3AW. But I think he’s missed the mark on this one.
Mitchell was responding to a plan by the Andrews Government to provide free sanitary products for girls in state schools if they are elected on November 24.
I personally think it’s a great idea.
Managing a period is a very sensitive issue for younger girls in particular, and knowing free pads of tampons are available at school will make a huge difference to their confidence — and hip pocket.
I am not sure why Mitchell was so ambivalent about the idea, calling it a “social media stunt”.
“Look, if you can afford it, if you can have free sanitary products for girls in schools, fair enough,” he said this morning.
“But let’s have airconditioning, and enough tables and chairs and books as well.”
Mitchell said he “would have assumed young girls go to school and make their own arrangements for sanitary products, however, we’re going to pay for it”.
“Are there young girls who can’t afford it?” he asked.
Yes, Neil, there are.
Mitchell also went on to ask why boys can’t get free razors. “The boys need free razors — there are all the boys who are fuzzy around the head. We won’t give them free condoms just free razors.”
He’s missed the point entirely.
Those who don’t have female adults to ask for help, or whose family are struggling financially, will benefit enormously from the plan.
One local study found women spend around $20,000 on sanitary items across their lifetime, and one in ten girls aged 14 to 21 can’t afford to buy their own pads or tampons.
The plan may be a stunt, but it’s a good one.
If you want to do more to help girls who can’t afford pads and tampons, get involved in Share the Dignity, which is a local charity that has collected more than 1.2 million sanitary products since 2015 for disadvantaged homeless women and girls.
The charity has an appeal launching on Friday encouraging sanitary item donations for adults and teens ahead of Christmas.
Collection points will be set up in all 72 Bunnings stores across Victoria.
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