To mark International Women’s Day, Liverpool City Council is inviting community organisations to join the city’s efforts to eliminate ‘period poverty’.
Liverpool City Council is asking community and not-for-profit organisations to join the End Period Poverty, Period campaign by making free feminine hygiene products available.
The aim is to give ‘period dignity’ to women, and the initiative is being led by Councillor Anna Rothery, mayoral lead for equality and race, who is looking to work with groups to provide them with feminine hygiene items which they can then hand out for free to those women in need.
Successful programs to provide period products in schools and children’s centres already exist, and this initiative will not duplicate the existing provision. However, during a three month pilot in the Princes Park using products donated by Anfield and Breckfield Community Centres, more than 800 products were handed out to mothers and daughters – it was clear a new scheme needs to be implemented to meet demand.
Any local group or not for profit organisation who would like to be involved can call 0151 233 0420 for more information.
Councillor Rothery said, “It’s a modern day scandal that we are even talking about the issue of period poverty.
“We are committed to treating women with dignity and respect, and we recognise that some women are struggling to buy feminine hygiene products.
“These items are not a luxury, they are a basic necessity and should be made available to all women. By looking at introducing this scheme we can work towards breaking down barriers, and give access to women who cannot afford to purchase these essential items.”
The initiative will be funded through the Mayor’s Hardship Fund.
