Councillors have agreed to champion the cause, not only ensuring dignity for all, but also offering free sanitary products that are kind to the environment.
A funding pot of £12,000 has been agreed for the project, and will offer a choice of three product packs – washable pads, period pants or reusable period cups.
Hey Girls
Hey Girls, a UK-wide social enterprise, will be distributing the packs. The scheme will run on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. The idea was unanimously agreed following a motion by Heather Williams to expand the district council’s Cost-of-Living Support scheme.
Williams said: “Often it is the small changes that can have the biggest impact in an individual’s life. Helping to address period poverty has the potential to support some of the most vulnerable in our society – and show them they have not been forgotten, they are cared for, and we will help them.
“My experience of local government is often that there is a lot of will to create positive change, just not necessarily the awareness of issues like period poverty. The fact that this received unanimous support shows how much this issue goes beyond party politics.”
Bridget Smith, leader of South Cambridgeshire district council, said: “Women and girls deserve access to essential period health products without the worry of cost. By offering sustainable alternatives, we’re also helping to reduce the waste associated with single-use period products. This is a great initiative which represents a step towards greater health equity and also environmental responsibility.”
The local authority joins more than 80 other councils across the UK who have signed up with Hey Girls. Since the company was established in 2018, Hey Girls has donated over 38 million period products.
An estimated 26,903 tonnes of waste from disposable period products is generated a year.
Subscribe for free