Free tampons and pads could soon be available in some Melbourne public bathrooms to provide better access to the sanitary products for women, including teens and the homeless.
Melbourne City Council will on Tuesday consider funding a year-long pilot program to alleviate “period poverty” in the municipality by making sanitary products available in public change rooms, recreation centres, swimming pools, community centres and libraries.
Melbourne City Council could soon offer free pads and tampons in its facilities.
Councillor Jamal Hakim said period poverty, or being unable to afford sanitary products, was a complex problem.
“Therefore multiple strategies are needed to ensure women have relevant and effective menstrual health education, access to period products and amenities such as toilets, soap and bins to manage menstruation without embarrassment or stigma,” Cr Hakim’s motion says.
The motion cites an Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Non-profit Studies report, Reducing Period Poverty in Australia 2020, that found period poverty was a significant obstacle to health, comfort and engagement with school and community activities.
“Research about period poverty is limited, however some evidence shows that poor menstrual management can affect the emotional and physical health of young women and influence their behaviour, such as school attendance,” it said.
City of Melbourne’s $10,000 program would begin in at least six sites, but the council would also partner with other organisations for a wider rollout, Cr Hakim’s motion states. It is hoped a permanent scheme will follow.
The motion notes a number of Melbourne homelessness support agencies already provide free sanitary products, while other greater Melbourne councils, including Cardinia, Casey and Wyndham, offer rebates to residents who purchase menstrual cups and reusable pads.
A $30 million-a-year tax on sanitary products was abolished by state and federal governments in 2019.
The Victorian government began providing free sanitary products in state schools during the same year. The Australian-first initiative aimed to reduce the stigma of menstruation and ensure girls did not miss school because they could not afford sanitary products.
Under the state’s $20.7 million program, dispensing machines were installed in every school by the end of term 2, 2020. The funding will continue until June 2023.
South Australia has followed suit, announcing in February it would provide free sanitary products to all female students in year 5 and above. The program will cost around $450,000 over three years.
The NSW Department of Education will soon trial a similar program to address period poverty in its schools.
The 2021 Young Australian of the Year, Isobel Marshall, has helped put the issue of period poverty on the national agenda in recent months. She created a brand of ethically sourced organic sanitary products while still in high school.
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