NZ PM Jacinda Ardern announced Thursday that all schools in the country will have free access to sanitary products from June. The announcement follows a successful pilot program launched last year, which provided free period products to about 3,200 young people in 15 schools. Ardern said in a statement the move ’is one way the government can directly address poverty.’
I am torn on this. One on hand, I think if the government tries to provide a free service, it will inevitably affect the quality of the service or product being offered, bad idea. On the other hand, a monthly bleeding is something that needs to be addressed and sanitized, regardless of income or class, good idea. All metaphors are limited, but I feel that this is somewhat similar to providing someone with a wheelchair. Not everyone can afford the product, but the need for such a product is very clear amongst those that have the need.
"Eat Tampons"
Must be great news if you're a business that makes or sells that stuff in NZ. Government just made your product worth nothing.