In the future there should be free menstrual articles in schools.
©Marcel Mayer/The Greens
The SPÖ’s application for free menstrual articles in schools was discussed in the state parliament’s socio-political committee today.
“I was able to ensure that menstrual articles will be available free of charge in all state schools in the future,” says Green Health spokeswoman Nadine Kasper, pleased about the decision in today’s Social Policy Committee. Last year, the Greens called for girls to be given free tampons and pads in schools. “I am pleased that this is now being implemented as a first step in state schools,” says Kasper.
Important offer for young girls
In their application, the Social Democrats demanded that in the future menstrual hygiene articles be made available free of charge in the girls’ toilets of all Vorarlberg secondary schools, polytechnic schools and vocational schools. The committee proposal now submitted by the governing parties takes up these demands.
An important step for SPÖ member of parliament Elke Zimmermann: “I am very pleased that our proposal to provide sanitary pads and tampons free of charge in the schools in Vorarlberg is now being implemented. Especially in girls and young women who have not yet developed a regular menstrual cycle, menstruation can often come as a surprise. It is all the more important that in this case they can also fall back on appropriate hygiene articles at school.”
Strengthen acceptance in everyday life
Zimmermann is convinced that young girls who are not yet so self-confident in their bodies would benefit from the provision of such an offer in schools: “Unfortunately, it is still the case today that menstruation is associated with a lot of shame. Measures such as free menstrual hygiene items in school toilets can counteract the taboo on this natural process.”
“Vorarlberg is now setting a good example. Especially in view of the increase in prices, the free provision of hygiene articles is important,” he said
Green health spokeswoman Kasper. Menstrual articles belong to the necessary equipment of a young woman. “Girls don’t get to choose whether they menstruate or not. And going to school must not depend on whether or not I have menstrual products on hand. The municipalities are therefore called upon to follow this good example,” concludes Kasper.
>>> More topics for women <<<
