A test phase of free distribution of periodical protection will soon be launched by the government in order to combat menstrual precariousness. In certain places of reception, women are particularly affected. This is the case in Bagnolet, in Seine-Saint-Denis, where Europe 1 went to meet them.

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A few weeks ago, a parliamentary report warned of the menstrual precariousness situation for certain women in France. According to the association Elementary Rules, they would be 1.7 million not being able to obtain periodical protections, for lack of means. The government is launching a test phase for the distribution of protection with a dedicated budget of one million euros. Sanitary napkins and tampons will thus be distributed free of charge in France, particularly in reception areas. Europe 1 takes stock of Bagnolet in Seine-Saint-Denis, in a reception center for young women victims of gender-based and sexual violence.

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"Women must choose between eating and having a towel"

Women users are particularly affected by the problem of menstrual precariousness. "It is almost daily, young people come to me saying 'I have nothing'," explains Amandine Maraval, from the association Une femme, un toit, and director of the center. The young women who come to the reception center are very often destitute. "When they come and they are offered to give them five euros, they will prefer to buy towels rather than buy food. Today, women have to choose between eating or having a towel" , laments the manager.

>> READ ALSO: How to help women who are worried about menstruating?

"It helps us psychologically"

"I came because I was the victim of domestic violence," says Emilie, 22, who comes to the center every day. Several Seine-Saint-Denis companies distribute free periodical protection in the centre's lounge. "It's going to help women a lot, we really need it regularly. Maybe some people don't see it, but we do help psychologically," said the young woman.

>> READ ALSO - Tampons, sanitary pads, cup: healthy and "made in France" alternatives

"If we take a brand, it's still 3 or 4 euros. Financially it's a budget, even if we find D systems, sometimes it's complicated," says Lucie, who earns 700 euros per month. The lifetime cost of menstruation for women can be between 8,000 and 20,000 euros. Free towels and tampons are also very important, reminds the manager of the center, so that these women feel confident and come back knocking on the door of the structure.