Period Poverty

Green Party Councillor Lourda Scott welcomes the support of her motion calling for free period products to be provided in Wicklow County Council buildings.

Period poverty refers to the instance where a person is unable to afford basic products (tampons and pads) during menstruation. A recent survey of over 1,000 Irish teenage girls show that almost half struggle to afford things like sanitary towels and tampons every month, 55 per cent report feeling embarrassed about their period and 61 per cent miss school on their period for the same reason.

Speaking on the motion Cllr Scott said “Period products are an everyday item that should be available free of charge like toilet paper. Being unable to buy these products every month affects people’s health, dignity and education. Imagine girls in Co Wicklow being unable to attend school for another reason; there would be a national outcry and rightly so.

It’s important to point out that there is still a stigma associated with periods and providing products in public buildings will go far to break this down, reminding people that this is a normal part of life. I’m glad to say that there is a commitment from our new government to tackle period poverty. However, Covid 19 has made this problem much worse for people in vulnerable positions. This has been seen first-hand by the Homeless Period Ireland, an initiative set up to combat period poverty, and with whom I have worked closely in bringing this motion. I’m delighted that Wicklow County Council has agreed to take positive action. This signals is an important step on the way in restoring support and dignity to those who need it and reducing the shame around menstruation”

*https://www.plan.ie/we-need-to-talk-period/   by Plan International Ireland