Schoolgirls will be given free sanitary products in New Zealand to combat 'period poverty'

• The new initiative was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday
• New Zealand will give out free sanitary products to girls in all schools from June
• The £13m scheme is aimed to combat 'period poverty' among the disadvantagedNew Zealand will give out free sanitary products to schoolgirls around the country, an initiative aimed to combat 'period poverty' among the disadvantaged. 

  The scheme, announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday, follows a successful pilot programme launched around the middle of last year.

  Starting from June, the new initiative will cost the government NZ$25 million (£13 million) through to 2024.

  

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  New Zealand will distribute free sanitary products in schools to combat 'period poverty' among the disadvantaged, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said ThursdayArdern said research showed about one in 12 young people skipped school because they did not have access to period products.'Young people should not miss out on their education because of something that is a normal part of life for half the population,' Ardern said.

  'Providing free period products at school is one way the government can directly address poverty, help increase school attendance, and make a positive impact on children's wellbeing.'

  She said the programme, which begins in June and will cost NZ$25 million (£13 million) over three years, followed last year's successful pilot scheme which provided free period products to about 3,200 young people in 15 schools.

  

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  The announcement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured on February 5) on Thursday follows a successful pilot programme launched around the middle of last year

  Ardern said participants in the pilot showed increased engagement at school and improved educational outcomes.

  Period poverty occurs when women and girls lack the money for tampons, pads or menstrual cups, or medication for cramps.

  Globally, campaigners say the issue has a direct effect on girls' education, with a knock-on impact on work opportunities, thus deepening gender inequality.

  Scotland last year became the first country in the world to provide universal access to free period products.

  Last month, free sanitary products were made available to all schools and colleges in England as part of a drive to stamp out ‘period poverty’.  

  The move will mean that no schoolgirl should be forced to miss lessons because she is on her period.

  The Department for Education also hopes the change will help break down the stigma surrounding menstruation.