Legislation to make period products freely available passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly

We at John Preston are delighted with the recent legislation that has been passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly which will make period products freely available to all in schools, colleges, and public buildings. Having recently took part in the NI Period Dignity Pilot Scheme we were key suppliers of period products to the Education Authority. Our intention was to tackle period poverty and women’s lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints. The pilot scheme helped break the stigma around menstruation and bring forward this much-needed legislation which will now become enacted in law.

Previously Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK to not have a permanent scheme in place to tackle period poverty. Thanks to the bill brought by SDLP Pat Catney women now have the legal right to access items such as tampons and sanitary products.

‘Over the last two years, I have heard heart-breaking stories about young women forced to use toilet paper, cloth and newspaper as an alternative to period products because the cost is so prohibitive’

- Pat Catney

In a survey conducted by the SDLP it was found that-

  • 45% of respondents struggled to afford or access period products during menstruation
  • 69% had been forced to use sanitary products for longer than advised or used unsuitable alternatives (including toilet paper, newspaper, or cloth)
  • 42% had missed work or school as a result of their period or limited access to period products

Under the legislation primary and post primary schools will be entitled to around a £330,000 budget

NI schools and public buildings can order a wide range of sanitary and period products from us. We offer a range of brands including- Tampax, Always, Natracare, and Interlude

 

Browse our feminine hygiene/ period products here