Barbara Nowacka's decision marks progress in ending menstrual poverty
Menstrual poverty, also referred to as menstrual exclusion, remains a significant issue in schools. In response, the Minister of National Education, Barbara Nowacka, has launched a programme to address this problem. The initiative will involve collaboration with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure its effectiveness.
Menstrual exclusion is a significant issue in Poland, particularly in schools where menstruating individuals lack access to essential hygiene products. Items such as sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and even wet wipes are inaccessible to a large portion of the population. According to a 2020 report by the Kulczyk Foundation, as many as 39% of people in Poland have experienced or are currently experiencing menstrual poverty.
Barbara Nowacka, the Minister of National Education, is determined to eliminate this problem in schools. She emphasises the importance of ensuring that access to essential hygiene products is the norm, not the exception. On Thursday, 22 August, the ministry’s website published information highlighting this issue, revealing that Nowacka has initiated the ‘Supplying Schools with Menstrual Hygiene Products’ programme for the 2024/2025 school year. She has called on NGOs to collaborate in this effort.
Barbara Nowacka battles menstrual poverty in Polish schools
According to information available on the Ministry’s website, the ‘Supplying Schools with Menstrual Hygiene Products’ programme aims to enhance menstrual health care in schools and assess the prevalence of menstrual poverty. Non-governmental organisations interested in participating can apply for grants to purchase hygiene products and organise meetings and activities to prevent menstrual exclusion.
As reported by radiozet.pl, the programme is open to various NGOs, including scouting organisations that focus on educational activities or the expansion and enrichment of school-related initiatives. Minister of National Education Barbara Nowacka is committed to increasing the availability of menstrual hygiene products in schools and encouraging headteachers to restock essential supplies regularly.
The programme also seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation, ensuring that students who menstruate are not subject to negative reactions that could lead to anxiety, absenteeism, or stress over potential accidents. The initiative aims to normalise menstruation among young people. The Ministry of Education has announced that PLN 4.4 million has been allocated to fund the 2024/2025 school year programme.
Source: radiozet.pl
