COUNCIL CAMPAIGN AIMS TO TACKLE ‘PERIOD POVERTY’

RHONDDA Cynon Taf looks to be one of the first councils in Wales to provide free sanitary products to girls in all schools after councillors gave the plan their backing.

The initiative, which aims to tackle so called “period poverty” among school girls, could be rolled out as early as September, after it won the support of members at a full council meeting. It still needs to be approved by cabinet and would involve the installation of manual dispensers.

Councillor Elyn Stephens of Plaid Cymru, one of the council’s youngest councillors, has spearheaded the campaign since last year.

A working group was set up by the council, chaired by councillor Shelley Rees-Owen, to look into the feasibility of the idea and consulted school staff and pupils.

Coun Rees-Owen told council: “Sanitary products are as essential as toilet paper. The current provision is inconsistent and needs to be improved.

“We heard shocking examples of period poverty.”

She told the council that many pupils did not know if they were available and many also said that the issue had affected their attendance or performance.

She said: “It is a groundbreaking and pioneering piece of work. Young people feel they are being heard and listened to.

“It would see RCT lead the way in improving the lives of young female students.”

Coun Wendy Lewis said: “This is a very worthy cause.

“We need a policy to make sure all schools have consistency across the board.”

Coun Stephens, who led the campaign, said: “I am really pleased that RCT County Borough Council has been persuaded of the case to provide free sanitary products in school. It is an essential hygiene item, just like toilet paper and soap.

“I would like to pay tribute to my council and party colleague, Councillor Shelley Rees-Owen, who has worked really hard throughout this campaign to progress this important issue.

“No girl should have to go without sanitary products and suffer in silence and embarrassment. They won’t have to in Rhondda Cynon Taf if the Cabinet rubber stamp this policy as expected. I hope other local authorities across Wales now follow suit.”

The proposal was backed by full council and will now go before cabinet for final approval.