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Original poster

Girls missing school because of poverty

446 replies

user1496170327 · 31/05/2017 11:08

Hello Everyone!

Thanks to everyone who suggested posting in this thread!

I'm a teenage girl who's started a campaign to help girls who can't afford sanitary products.

Some of you may have read recently that girls across the UK skip school because they can't face the shame of going to school without adequate sanitary care.

Some use socks, toilet roll and sellotape, or even newspaper. Young girls are living in such extreme poverty, and I believe this must be discussed and addressed, especially when this can harm their health.

I was absolutely horrified that this is happening in Britain and felt that something had to be done. So, I'm calling on the government to provide free sanitary provision for girls in need, as a first step. I'm writing to MPs every day and the response, so far, has been really positive. I think that this is something that can happen with enough support!

I'm really hoping that you will agree that this is so very important- that all girls should be able to access essential care and go to school with confidence and that we should not be disadvantaged because of our gender. May I ask you to add your name to my petition to the government, and if you could share on social media, that would be amazing!

https:/https://www.change.org/p/theresa-may-mp-free-sanitary-products-for-girls-on-free-school-meals-freeperiods

I'm writing an article for a newspaper about period poverty in schools, and if you've been in this dreadful situation yourself, I'd really appreciate it if you could get in touch, if you're happy to!

Thank you so much for your support!! I really appreciate it, and I believe that if enough people want to change this situation, we can make it happen. Thanks again!

[email protected]

OP posts:
Kpo58 · 31/05/2017 23:28

Why can't we just give them all a moon cup each at be done with it?

Because:

  • they may not have the electricity at home to boil the kettle to sterilise it (or a cup to put it in)
  • they can't clean it at school as the toilet cubicles don't have sinks in it
  • they won't have a change of clothes with them if they accidentally spill it over themselves when removing it
  • they may struggle to get it in and for it to stay there
  • there may not be enough room in the cubicles for them to be able to insert it
  • they may have to share it with siblings (if the parents sell the "extra" ones)
HelenaDove · 31/05/2017 23:33

A lot of Lady Bountifuls on this thread.

SynysterGates · 31/05/2017 23:36

ok im on my pc now
i don;t do petitions...can't even spell it
but what can I do?I am at the other and my dd is disabled( not going into her stuff)
is there any way I can help ? by using the money I would have spent?

Bearsmum19 · 31/05/2017 23:36

Signed, shared. And will be putting San pro in my next food bank donation

ThingsofDramaAreBest · 31/05/2017 23:39

SynysterGates if you don't do petitions, then maybe write to your MPs. Or donate to your local food bank? Some supermarket take extra items you've bought to food banks on your behalf.

ThingsofDramaAreBest · 31/05/2017 23:40

Any idea how we can get more publicity for this campaign?

bananafish81 · 01/06/2017 00:02

Signed

Naive question to those with very problematic periods. Contraception is completely free and there are a number of different contraceptive options that will stop periods. Is this ever communicated in the contraception lessons where the free condoms are given out, that are mentioned here?

I'm not advocating this as a solution to inability to afford sanpro!! Just curious if those with very problematic periods ever considered not having periods as a way to alleviate what sounds like a very traumatic time every month?

I reiterate - this is probably a very naive question but is asked in genuine good faith

cynicbuthappy · 01/06/2017 00:08

This thread demonstrates that there are some who fundamentally misunderstand poverty, some who would rather see young girls miss school because of a lack of sanitary protection, and some who seem to thing young girls have access to their own income.
The lack of understanding and empathy from these posters on this website disgusts me.
Well done OP for raising this issue. I have signed and urge everyone to do so.

AntigoneJones · 01/06/2017 00:14

" Also those bleating about bus fares and postage. "

FreeNiki, nobody is 'bleating' about anything, it's called 'discussion' if you are not familiar with the concept, You know, where you listen to other points of view and take in new ideas?

AntigoneJones · 01/06/2017 00:16

" (if the parents sell the "extra" ones) "

oh yes there is a massive street demand for knock off mooncups.Hmm
Honestly some of you lot are living in some kind of parallel universe, I swear.

needsahalo · 01/06/2017 00:27

won't solve neglectful parenting instantly but will pay for better social interventions and better support in school as well as eventually better educated and better off parents who will be less neglectful

Because educated parents never neglect their children. Sigh.

needsahalo · 01/06/2017 00:32

If you're spending (for example) £10 million a year on sanpro for low income families, that equates to salaries for 500 healthcare workers or support workers on £20k a year

Employer NI and pension costs? Recruitment? Training?

I am being pedantic but there is a lot more to employer costs than meets the eye.

And what sort of healthcare worker on £20k or less? Unqualified ones?

bonbonours · 01/06/2017 00:53

Pepperer I'm with you. I suspect there are a much larger number of families making poor choices about what to spend their limited resources on than families who literally can't afford basic sanpro plus basic food.

WhoopsyWhoo · 01/06/2017 06:51

Even if parents are making poor choices, don't you agree that it's wrong for the government to do nothing?

The girls are in that terrible predicament through no fault of their own. It's wrong for us too to blame the parents and say these girls should be left to get on with it.

The failings may lie with the parents, but these girls are the victims.

I've signed and shared. Good on you OP for initiation this.

parromoon · 01/06/2017 07:00

Reading through the thread and I'm shocked this is going on in our country, and equally shocked at some attitudes here.

This is a very worthwhile campaign which could potentially help thousands if implemented.

I'd also suggest trying to get more publicity.

Well done to you OP- signed and shared on Social media. I've sent the link to WhatsApp contacts too.

RainbowsAndUnicorn · 01/06/2017 07:54

Giving out more free stuff may solve a small part of the problem but it doesn't tackle the issue and makes it acceptable for parents to opt out of their responsibilities.

More social workers, family support would be a better use of tax payers money. Ensure the parents step up and stop neglecting children. If they don't buy a simple basic than the children likely need far more help.

With chid benefit and tax credits there is no reason for any parent to not provide the basics. They could always work too, cap their families to the number they can afford to support, stop buying unnecessary items etc.

Better intervention to ensure parents stop the neglect will have more impact on their lives than free tampax.

notlikemymum · 01/06/2017 08:00

Rainbow you say there's no parent who shouldn't be able to afford the basics.

Have you read this thread? People struggle. People fight to give their kids a basic meal but circumstances often mean they can't manage it.

If they can't afford a loaf a bread, you can bet your bottom dollar (if you have it) that there're no cash for sanpro.

Signed. Shared. Excellent cause.

StewPots · 01/06/2017 08:12

Signed.

Also appalled at the posters saying "well, if there's a Boots nearby etc, no excuse" ...how lovely to live in a world where you cannot conceive or imagine that money for sanpro isn't always available at the drop of a hat.

Like a pp said, 3 women needing enough sanpro to last a period each soon adds up to a whole lot if you have nothing.

Educate yourself and step out the bubble. Be thankful you don't need to worry and just sign the petition!

SarahAlwood · 01/06/2017 08:13

These girls are victims. I know because I was one.

There will always be poverty in every country and parents face an ongoing struggle to provide.

Raising issues like this is so important to get these girls help where possible. Children are the innocents here and there's no point in blaming them or their parents when no one actually knows or sees the heartache or pain of not being able to provide.

Well done to you OP on this. I've signed and shared.

Hulababy · 01/06/2017 08:33

I have taken sanitary protection to homeless charities and food bank collections.

A pack of pads are about 25p for 10, tampons are about a pound for 20 iirr. I buy a basket full on occasions for donation. Pretty much all accept them.

I've not considered reusables for donation as that then involves more hygiene such as boiling/hot water etc - this means less suitable for homeless etc.

StewPots · 01/06/2017 08:35

OP I've shared on my Twitter if that's ok, and also shared it amongst friends so let's hope it gets the 10k and we get a proper result!

FuzzyPillow · 01/06/2017 09:06

Firstly, these girls need sanitary protection.

Secondly, however, we do need to look at why the parents are not providing them with it.

^ this.

FuzzyPillow · 01/06/2017 09:08

I agree with PP talking about introducing a scheme offering the contraceptive pill. This could solve both the Sanpro availability problem and unwanted pregnancies. It might actually be more effective than offering free sanpro?

TheWeeBabySeamus1 · 01/06/2017 09:19

I think it's shocking that sanitary products for minors isn't free. I knew girls at school who were only allowed one pad a day (parents didn't have the money/didn't think etc) and it was awful for them having to ask us if we had a spare.

Signed.

GherkinSnatch · 01/06/2017 09:36

I agree with PP talking about introducing a scheme offering the contraceptive pill. This could solve both the Sanpro availability problem and unwanted pregnancies. It might actually be more effective than offering free sanpro?

There wouldn't be a point in introducing a scheme offering the contraceptive pill - it's already available for free. Presenting it as an option to help manage periods could be a sensible idea to make girls aware that it's an option beyond it's contraceptive purpose, but it's problematic - we shouldn't be pressuring teenagers to take medication that can have all sorts of physical and mental side effects, and in any case there is no guarantee that the mini pill will stop menstruation.
It also relies on perfect use to be effective, which would be an issue if girls go for prescriptions for it without fully understanding how it works, which they might not if they've felt pressured into getting it.

Personally, I've tried lots of different pills, and have had to accept that hormonal contraception just doesn't fit for me - I have to deal with heavy periods OR crippling depression. Neither are ideal but at least periods are only once a month for me. I'm not the only woman I know who has experienced a direct correlation between mental health and pill usage.