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Amika George, a 19-year-old Cambridge University student, founded the Free Periods
Movement when she was just 17. George noticed many girls could not go to school because they were unable to afford period products. Free Periods wants free period products in the United Kingdom, so girls can get their education.
The phrase “Period Poverty” refers to girls all over the world missing school because they cannot afford menstrual products. Some even “were using stocks stuffed with toilet tissue or newspaper” according to Free Periods, just so they may attend school. Free Periods states, “We are on a mission to ensure that nobody has to miss school because they have their period.” The Campaign is targeting the United Kingdom to guarantee that there will be free period products for all schools and colleges in the UK.
The Free Periods Movement has already had massive effects on the British Isles. In Scotland, period products are now free for all schools, universities, and colleges because of this Free Periods’ impact. The United Kingdom’s government allocated £1.5 million towards women and girls providing free access to sanitary products, aiding to end Period Poverty.
Free Periods highlights that not only are sanitary products expensive, but in many countries, including the United Kingdom and United States among others, there is a “Luxury Tax” on said menstrual products. A “Luxury Tax” is a 5% tax that is added onto products deemed a luxury or want. Free Periods argues that “Jaffa Cakes are considered an essential item, and so, remain untaxed,” and that this tax is sexist because of the taboo surrounding periods. Without the “luxury” of period products, millions of girls and women cannot go to school, causing them to fall behind, as well as creating a sense of shame surrounding their period.
The Free Periods Campaign not only wants free period products, but also wants to knock down the stigma surrounding periods writing, “The shame and embarrassment around menstruation is still so prolific that many people suffer alone and in silence, reluctant to ask for help when they need it.” #FreePeriods wants to ensure that no child will ever have to miss school because of their period.
“We need to smash the taboo around menstruation and this can only be done by expelling any embarrassment or shame, and talking about periods. No matter how bloody.” - Free Periods
Written by Madison Fitzgerald | Staff Writer
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