Girls in rural Lithuania are facing challenges attending school due to the lack of access to female hygiene products in local shops. This issue has prompted some schools to take action by introducing hygiene stations that provide these essential products free of charge. In a bid to address this pressing concern, PavenÄiai School in the Å iauliai district became the first in the country to install such stations in girls’ toilets.
Following the successful implementation at PavenÄiai School, Kamajai Gymnasium also adopted the initiative after a revealing survey conducted by the school’s headteacher, Loreta GrochauskienÄ—. The survey highlighted the significant impact of the lack of hygiene products on student attendance, particularly for those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The installation of hygiene stations at Kamajai Gymnasium has already yielded positive results, with social worker Zita Å ivickienÄ— noting a marked improvement in attendance among teenage girls. The initiative has been instrumental in addressing the issue of girls missing multiple days of school due to the unavailability of hygiene products.
Recognizing the importance of this initiative, the mayor of Rokiškis district has mandated the installation of similar hygiene stations in all schools, allocating funds from operational expenses to support the cause. The headteacher, Loreta Grochauskienė, emphasized the affordability of maintaining these stations and the positive impact they have had on students.
Communication expert and social activist DovilÄ— FilmanaviÄiÅ«tÄ— has been a staunch advocate for the hygiene station project, underscoring the need for greater awareness and action from schools. Despite some progress, FilmanaviÄiÅ«tÄ— highlighted the limited number of schools that have implemented these stations, emphasizing the importance of school leaders prioritizing the well-being of students.
While some countries have taken steps to increase access to menstrual products by exempting them from VAT, Lithuania has yet to fully embrace such measures. The proposal for VAT exemptions on menstrual products, put forth by Lithuania’s Social Democrats, garnered initial support but has not been actively pursued in parliament.
As the conversation around female hygiene and access to essential products continues to evolve globally, it is imperative for policymakers, schools, and communities to prioritize the well-being and education of young girls. Initiatives like hygiene stations not only address immediate needs but also contribute to creating a supportive environment that empowers girls to pursue their education without barriers.