‘These items are not luxury goods’: Thousands of NT students to get access to free feminine hygiene products
THOUSANDS of Northern Territory students will have access to free essential sanitary products as part of a new initiative this International Women’s Day
Northern Territory
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MORE than 8700 Northern Territory students will have access to free essential sanitary products as part of a new initiative to promote a culture of equality and body positivity in schools this International Women’s Day.
The $40,000 pilot program will begin in Term 2 and allow government primary, middle and senior government schools to buy feminine hygiene products for students.
Students will be consulted in what products they believe are necessary for their cohort, from tampons to pads, menstrual cups and more.
Schools such as Darwin Middle School, which already stocks sanitary products, will be able to expand what it can offer students.
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Students Caitlin Fitzgerald, 14, Cassia Latz, 14, and Sophie Lei, 14, said the initiative was crucial to help students who might not have easy access to these products or who needed assistance while at school.
“I think it’s important so that students feel supported and like they’re not alone,” Caitlin said.
“It’s really great that this is happening because sometimes it feels like you’re kind of alone when stuff happens, and that you don’t necessarily know what to do,” Sophie said.
“(The initiative) makes you feel more comfortable talking about it, and like you can get help if something does happen,” Cassia said.
The students agreed more schools needed to have open discussions about menstruation and feminine hygiene products.
“It should just be something that’s not hidden at all, because it’s something that’s very natural and happens to every woman. I don’t think anyone should hide it,” Sophie said.
“It’s little steps like this that brings communities together and makes everyone feel included and cared for,” Caitlin said.
Education Minister Lauren Moss, who is also the Minister for Women, said it was critical students had easy access to a range of products, and to promote inclusive and supportive environments in schools.
“These items are not luxury goods,” she said.
“It is important we break stigma of sanitary items and normalise it, because needing a tampon or a pad is normal.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on how far the women’s movement has progressed and to contemplate what is needed for the future.”
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It comes after New South Wales and South Australia introduced initiatives this year to address ‘period poverty’ and ensure students do not miss school or feel anxious and uncomfortable because they cannot access sanitary items.
Victoria became the first state in the country to introduce free sanitary products in government schools in 2019.
The nationwide push has recently been spearheaded by 2021 Young Australian of the Year Isobel Marshall, who co-founded social enterprise TABOO in 2017 to help women fight the stigma of menstruation and support women in need.
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