The Pink Boxes initiative aims to combat menstrual poverty and improve access to personal hygiene products for women and girls. These boxes, which contain free sanitary pads and tampons, are available in public spaces such as schools, universities, offices, and cultural institutions. The use of the colour pink symbolises menstruation and seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding it.

This initiative has gained significant traction in Poland, bolstered by the support of various NGOs and volunteers. Activists are working to ensure that everyone has access to essential hygiene products regardless of their financial situation.

Marcel Formela is a Polish politician affiliated with the Law and Justice (PiS) party. In April this year, he was elected as a councillor for the municipality of Dębnica Kaszubska. Formela frequently appears in the media as a commentator on current political events. He often slates the ruling party's actions and evaluates the fulfilment of election promises, frequently criticising the Civic Coalition for its unfulfilled commitments.

Recently, Formela published a post on X that garnered significant attention online. In the post, he expressed outrage over the Ministry of Education's decision to allocate PLN 4.4 million for the creation of pink boxes. He dismissed the initiative as "stupid" and argued that the funds should be directed elsewhere.

"Instead of such stupidity, how about spending these millions on equipping schools with basic office supplies, for which there is not enough money?" he asked rhetorically.

Many internet users were taken aback by the politician's stance on the initiative to combat menstrual poverty. Several users on X attempted to explain to Formela that this issue affects one in five women in Poland. Despite these efforts, Formela remains resolute in his views. In response to one of the posts, he commented, "Well, let them install pink boxes in schools through NGOs, but you will see for yourself that this does not solve the problem."