15/11/2023

Cardiff Council's programme topromote period dignity has been further expanded.

From the start of the new term, reusable period pants have become available for learners in primary schools, free of charge.

As well as being an excellent eco-friendly option, period pants are proving to be popular with young people due to their ease of use, as well as to prepare them for their first period.

Period pants are already available in Cardiff secondary schools, along with a wider range of eco-friendly and reusable options. 

Since 2019, Cardiff's period dignity initiative has seen an investment of almost £1.5million, providing those who need them with access to free period products. The aim of the initiative is tohelp tackle stigmaand address period poverty in communities,whilst improving school facilities to ensure dignity for learners.

Cardiff Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Cardiff's period dignity programme has gone from strength to strength and over the last five years, hundreds of thousands of period products have been delivered to schools, helping to alleviate barriers to education and address matters of affordability.

Funded by Welsh Government, the programme has contributed to Cardiff's recognition of becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City, where the views and priorities of children are at the heart of decision making.

Cllr Merry added: "Our commitments around period dignity have been recognised in Cardiff's successful bid of becoming the UK's first UNICEF Child Friendly City, where the voices and rights of children are an integral part of public policies, programmes and decisions. Work to ensure a range of products are always available to pupils of all ages who need them, will be maintained and is an important part of that commitment. 

"We will continue to listen to young people to identify issues and co-produce solutions so that they feel they are treated with dignity and respect and any shame in relation to periods is eradicated."