Menstrual hygiene products will soon be available for free in New Brunswick schools.
The province announced Monday that it is giving school districts more than $115,000 for a new program called “Never be caught off guard.”
“All students deserve to be able to focus on their learning, instead of worrying about how they will be able to access the essentials,” Education Minister Dominic Cardy said in a news release.
“Hopefully, this project can help reduce the impact on academics and help reduce stigma and social or emotional challenges.”
The products will be available in female and gender-neutral washrooms and locker rooms in schools with Grade 6 to 12 students.
A recent pilot project saw the Anglophone West School District, headquartered in Fredericton, provide free menstrual hygiene products to two high schools.
The pilot — a partnership between the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Horizon Health — explored whether making menstrual hygiene products accessible in school washrooms would have positive social-emotional and learning benefits for students.
According to the province, students surveyed as part of the pilot project reported experiencing a decrease in embarrassment, anxiety and stress, and reported feeling better able to focus on learning.
Stephanie Underhill Tomilson, principal at Fredericton High School, said making supplies available in all washrooms takes the worry away from unexpected situations.
“It has also taken an economic stressor away from students and has levelled the playing field of accessibility and cleanliness,” she said in the release.
“The more we break down the stigma of menstruation, the easier it will become to address the inequalities of poverty and hygiene surrounding these products.”
