Less than one in five eligible schools and colleges are using the new DfE scheme that provides free period products to pupils, say campaigners who are warning “use it or lose it”.
The scheme, started in January under the government’s ambition to support “period equality”, allows schools to access an online portal to order supplies as needed.
But six months on, campaigners say the government and local authorities need to do more to encourage schools and colleges to take up the scheme.
Background: Period products free in all schools from Monday
Opinion: ‘It’s time to end the stigma of period poverty’
Comment: ‘Periods aren’t shameful - let’s talk about them in school’
“Our worry is that with more financial cuts on the cards, we risk this scheme being scaled back if schools don’t make the most of it,” said Jasmine Tribe, campaigns manager environmental group City to Sea.
“Being able to manage your period without financial worry or shame should be a fundamental right for all.
“But only 17 per cent of schools and colleges eligible for the government scheme have signed up and ordered products for their students so far. Many schools are missing this opportunity, and the lack of uptake is by no means due to a lack of need.”
A survey by girls’ rights charity Plan International UK found that 1 in 10 girls between the ages of 14 and 21 have been unable to afford period products in the UK, while it found three in 10 girls have struggled to afford or access sanitary wear during lockdown.
“To add fuel to fire, marginalised young people with periods are left with no choice but to turn to risky methods of managing their menstrual bleeds,” said Natasha Piette-Basheer, campaigns manager at the Women’s Environmental Network.
“Local governments must take action now to adequately support schools in taking up the scheme so that no young person with a period is left behind.”
To sign up to the free product scheme, schools can visit here.
The DfE has been contacted for comment
*City to Sea successfully campaigned for plastic-free and reusable products to be included in what is offered to students
