In rural Lithuania, young women face challenges attending school due to the lack of access to female hygiene products in local shops. This issue has led to girls missing multiple days of school, impacting their education and well-being.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Pavenčiai School took the initiative to install hygiene stations in girls’ toilets, offering essential products free of charge. Following this example, Kamajai Gymnasium also implemented similar stations, leading to a positive impact on attendance.
Loreta Grochauskienė, the headteacher of Kamajai Gymnasium, highlighted the financial struggles some families face, with about half of the students receiving free school meals, indicating a need for support in accessing hygiene products.
Zita Šivickienė, a social worker at the school, emphasized the significant improvement in attendance after the implementation of hygiene stations. These stations have become a crucial resource for young girls in rural areas.
Efforts to address this issue have expanded, with the mayor of Rokiškis district directing all schools to install hygiene stations. Schools are utilizing funds allocated for operational expenses to support this initiative, ensuring a sustainable supply of hygiene products.
Communication expert and social activist Dovilė Filmanavičiūtė has been advocating for the importance of hygiene stations in schools. She emphasized the need for greater awareness and action from school leaders to prioritize the well-being of adolescent girls.
Filmanavičiūtė highlighted the proactive approach of the private sector in providing sanitary products for women, urging educational institutions to follow suit in supporting female hygiene needs.
While some countries have introduced VAT exemptions on menstrual products to improve access, similar measures have been proposed in Lithuania but not yet pursued. Enhancing access to female hygiene products remains a critical issue requiring ongoing attention and support.
As initiatives like hygiene stations in schools gain momentum, it is essential to address the broader societal impact of limited access to female hygiene products. Ensuring that young women have the necessary resources for their menstrual health is not only a matter of education but also a fundamental aspect of gender equality and well-being.
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