Schools will offer hygienic protection for free in New Zealand (illustration). - A. Boumediene / 20 Minutes

New Zealand Women's Minister Julie Anne Genter has announced the availability of free periodical protection in schools across the country. The project will be tested through a pilot program involving 15 schools in the Waikato district, she said on her Twitter account.

In 2021, the measure will be extended to all public and assimilated educational establishments which request it.

So thrilled to announce with PM @jacindaardern major progress to combat #periodpoverty in NZ! Pilot will see 15 Waikato schools get free period products in term 3. Next year will be rolled out to all state & state-integrated schools (opt-in). pic.twitter.com/xKeO5bmtpF

- Julie Anne Genter (@JulieAnneGenter) June 3, 2020

Students forced to stay at home

On the social network, Julie Anne Genter says she is "really delighted" to announce the news which she describes as "a major progress in the fight against menstrual precariousness in New Zealand". The program will begin in July, reports Reuters . The purpose of the device is to help those who find it difficult to obtain hygienic protections.

In a press release, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern estimates that 95,000 girls are forced to stay at home during their period because they cannot afford tampons or towels. A study by the country's Health Research Council conducted in 2019 indeed shows that between the ages of 13 and 17, one in twelve New Zealanders is in this case.

Reduce "social difficulties in children"

The government has therefore decided to release a budget of 2.6 million New Zealand dollars (approximately 1.5 million euros). "By making (periodical protection) available for free, we are helping these young girls to continue their learning at school," explains Jacinda Ardern. It is another important initiative that contributes to our effort to reduce poverty and social hardship among children. "

"The rules are a reality for half of the population, periodic protections are a necessity", commented on Twitter Julie Anne Genter. The Minister also wanted to thank "the activists, NGOs and researchers who fought for this cause".

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Government to distribute free hygienic protection for precarious women

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