Students in Merritt will soon have easy access to free menstrual products at school.
The B.C. government ordered all public schools in the province to provide free menstrual products in washrooms by the end of the calendar year in an announcement on April 5.
School District 58 Superintendent Steve McNiven said he is pleased with the decision.
“From a district perspective and a personal perspective I think it is a very good thing,” Steve McNiven said. “I believe, as others do, that it will help improve equity.”
SD 58’s schools are not currently equipped with pad and tampon dispensers in washrooms, McNiven said. Menstrual products have been available, but students were required to approach a staff member to request a product.
“And I know that was likely challenging for some students,” McNiven said. “So I think this just reduces one more barrier that doesn’t need to be there.”
“This is a long-standing ‘hidden and unspoken’ problem for students who need menstrual products,” Andrea Sinclair, president of the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils said in a news release. “There continues to be stigma surrounding this, which causes unnecessary anxiety and reduced confidence for students, including reduced attendance.”
In the news release, Education Minister Rob Fleming said current research indicates that one in seven students has missed school due to their periods because they cannot afford products.
“It is time to normalize and equalize access to menstrual products in schools, helping to create a better learning environment for students,” he added.
While McNiven said he does not yet have a timeline for when the free dispensaries will be implemented in local schools, he said the B.C. government’s startup funding ($300,000 to be distributed across the province) will help support the transition.
“Students should never have to miss school, extracurricular, sports or social activities because they can’t afford or don’t have access to menstrual products,” said Fleming.
