Students at all Western Australian public high schools will soon have access to free period products.
More than 220 public schools will be provided with free period products from Term 1 next year.
Period products are a fundamental health necessity, but the cost and the stigma associated with them means many students do not have access to the items they need while at school.
The 2021 Bloody Big Survey found almost half of the 125,000 respondents missed a class due to their period, and three quarters said when they did attend school during their period, they found it difficult to pay attention.
Evidence shows improving access to tampons and pads keeps students engaged in education, improves public health outcomes, and helps them reach their full potential.
"No student should miss out on school because they don't have access to period products," Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk said.
"In recent years there has been growing recognition that period products are a basic health necessity, and the simple act of making them more accessible removes barriers to education."
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