Lawmakers are calling for the Education and Health Ministries to ensure that all schools provide free menstrual hygiene products to students by next September. Lawmakers passed a motion on Thursday including funding for the products in the Education Ministry's budget.
Lawmakers say implementing the policy is essential for eradicating "period poverty." That refers to low-income groups' lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and facilities. Lawmakers say females who can't afford to buy menstrual hygiene products may have no choice but to miss school and work, which can affect their quality of life.
The motion states that the average woman spends about NT$100,000 (US$3,100) on menstrual hygiene products in her lifetime, which can be an immense financial burden. Only six counties provide free hygiene products in schools.
Lawmakers are also calling for the Education Ministry to investigate how localities intend to implement this policy and share their plans within the next few months. They say schools will need to start providing free menstrual hygiene products by next September.
The motion specifically calls for schools to provide free menstrual pads, but some lawmakers say schools should also provide other types of products. Education Minister Pan Wen-chung (潘文忠) says the ministry will do its best to advocate for this policy, but it hopes for some more time to prepare.