THE State government\u2019s free tampon and pad program for public schools is complete.<\/p>\n
In celebrating the statewide $20.7 million program at Phoenix College on Tuesday, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said it was an election commitment which began in September 2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery school across Victoria now has access to free tampons and pads,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really proud that the Victorian government is the first government to institute this program in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that other governments set up and do the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The State government\u2019s aim for the project is to supply free sanitary products for girls in public primary, secondary and specialist schools to relieve anxiety and put the focus back on education.<\/p>\n
Former teacher and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said she can understand how awkward it could be for a young girl to get their period at school.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is about destigmatising periods and saying this is a normal part of life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a really positive outcome for young girls and learning in the classroom, encouraging them to stay at school and taking away any feelings of anxiety associated with having their period at school.<\/p>\n
\u201cTampons and pads are no different to toilet paper, they are an important part of everyday life and that\u2019s why the Andrew\u2019s Government is providing these products to all young girls.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along with the program, there will be further education aimed towards destigmatising periods embedded into the school curriculum.<\/p>\n
Phoenix P-12 assistant principal Deanne Joosten said it\u2019s important to promote and educate about sanitary items and make them accessible for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing able to empower our young women to take control of their health and wellbeing is such a great initiative,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE State government\u2019s free tampon and pad program for public schools is complete. In celebrating the statewide $20.7 million program at Phoenix College on Tuesday, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said it was an election commitment which began in September 2019. \u201cEvery school across Victoria now has access to free tampons and pads,\u201d she said. […]<\/p>\n