Girls missing school because of poverty

[user1496170327]

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]

Bumping for traffic

Perfectly
I do not believe that anyone in this country can't afford them, it's just parents making bad decisions with their money.

Your life experience is so limited that you cannot imagine someone having to choose between Sanpro and a loaf of bread or Sanpro and paying the rent / electricity??! Which of those would you choose? And if you chose to buy a loaf of bread / rent / bills instead of Sanpro, do you still think it's a 'bad decision'?

The fact is, all those things are essential and some people can't afford them all.

^ I forgot to mention, I'm not denying that neglectful parents or those who make poor decisions exist, of course there will be many, however I do absolutely believe that poverty which would not enable someone to pay for all their essentials such as food, rent, bills, Sanpro exists.

Exactly, i agree there may be some parental neglect going on, but desperation means that people sometimes have to make 'bad' decisions. Poverty exists. It'll probably always exist, but that shouldn't stop us trying to help those who need it right?

Sorry for my ignorance here but we should get this post on a main thread or something. it's pretty darn important.
how to do that?

Signed.

nadia it was in AIBU but MNHQ moved it here.

I agree - such an important issue. I've signed too. Put on FB and Twitter also. Worthy cause. Terrible for these girls.

I agree too that it deserves to be highlighted. OP you should try and get it more visibility for sure.

CaulkheadUpNorf Right, it was moved here, I see.

Where's the best place to get it moved for more views or can't you move it once MNHQ move it? Sorry - new here!!!

But agree it's well deserving of exposure as this thread has literally made me cry. The dreadful stories here are heartbreaking.

Even if it is poor financial decisions by the parents it's not the girls/teens fault. We have an example in DH family (although not sanpro related and SS are involved) when I and other family members buy stuff for the bairn it's for her benefit not her parents.

It's horrible to witness and I could see in the future if she remains in his care sanpro being an item that he won't prioritise.

Urbanmortificado that's horrendous. I hope that she will be looked after.
It seems that the issue of poverty has been debated lots here and it certainly isn't the girls/teens fault so it's wrong to leave them to rot.
Signed

Signed

I visited a women's prison recently and all the loos had san pro supplies. Just put them in the loos.
I thought girls not going to school because they were menstruating was a third world problem but sadly not.
I also put supplies in the food bank box and because I don't use them any more I put in what I would use.

I agree susie. Sanpro is a necessary product, not a luxury, and should be provided free in all toilets the same way as you expect toilet paper to be.

How unfair that girls are disadvantaged because, well, because they're girls. Born with a uterus.
The givers has money to start new grammar schools apparently, but not enough cash to give to girls who can't afford sanpro.
Shocking and scary in equal measure.
Signed and shared on Facebook. Well done to you OP.

I do not believe that anyone in this country can't afford them, it's just parents making bad decisions with their money. Have you read the previous posts describing how posters experienced this level of poverty as children? From teachers confirming that this level of poverty does indeed exist? Aren't you embarrassed that you live in such a bubble that having no electric, no heating, holes in your shoes, parents going without food so their children can eat, etc is beyond your comprehension? How much contempt do you have for those living in utter poverty that you believe that not being able to afford the basics is a lifestyle choice?

Do you genuinely not understand how lucky you are?

Government, not givers.

Appalled at how little empathy people have. Yes you're privileged and damn well lucky to not have seen true, gritty Poverty, the kind that rips your heart in two when you don't have the pound for sanpro for your daughter and you see her suffering but there's nothing you can do. And no you don't waste your cash on fags or drink or drugs. You just don't have enough to make it all work.
If you haven't seen this or experienced it, pat yourself on your back and know that you're lucky, but don't tell us it's not Poverty and Parental neglect.
Signed and I've sent it to friends and family and they'll do the same. Thank you for raising this issue.

Can the petition be extended to relate to Scotland too - our First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education should be made aware too!

Signed & shared. It's appalling that this is the real state of affairs in the UK today. Careful thought would need to be given as to how distribute sanpro so that girls are not singled out. Their lives are tough enough as it is.

No parent is that poor
What a sheltered life you lead.
I teach in a seaside town in the South-East of the country. Some of our children are living 9 to a room with a shared bathroom along a landing. Lots of children living in overcrowded bedsits. Food bank use is high with these families.
Our school helps out as much as possible - free uniforms and discreet help in combination with local agencies.

Im shocked that some people on this thread have no understanding as to how people especially women are having to be resourceful re: personal care because of ever increasing poverty up until fairly recently i would keep pull ups my ds's had grown out of as sanitary care so it would mean we had more money for food. Im not a teen and we both work and i wouldnt describe us as in poverty just treading that line at times. Yes , its 2017 and ppl are very fucking poor.

@NippySweetie16 It's already on the move in Scotland - Monica Lennon (Labour, regional MSP for Central Scotland) is raising a Member's Bill about it. I'd suggest writing to your constituency MSP, forwarding this petition on to them, and passing it on to the FM and John Swinney.

Or lets say a single dad with daugthers who are too embarrassed to say when/how often they need them and he doesnt really understand. Xx

Sure Maybwill support the petition, she is keen to help the poorest of the poor!

Ashamed to live in a country where children are allowed to live in such poverty! But hey they don't need at hot meal at lunchtime either any more!