ŠOS calls for free hygienic menstrual products in educational institutions

Slovenian Student Union is reiterating the importance of providing free hygienic menstrual aids in the sanitary facilities of educational institutions and other public facilities.

The unions of Students and High School Students issued a public appeal to the respective authorities of the Republic of Slovenia to provide free menstrual hygiene supplies in the sanitary facilities of educational institutions and other public facilities.

Both unions expect the government to provide a sufficient amount of free hygienic menstrual products, either from the state budget or from the budgets of individual educational institutions. We believe that just as toilet paper and soap are available in restrooms, feminine hygiene products should also be available free of charge. Access to menstrual products is a fundamental human need.

In their appeal, the unions followed the findings and successful practices of various international organizations, which have been emphasizing for many years that investing in the destigmatization of menstrual health and hygiene manifests itself in the improvement of physical and mental health, as well as other economic benefits.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia supports the gradual introduction of free hygiene supplies in public institutions and is of the opinion that this would significantly contribute to breaking taboos and stigmatization in the field of women’s reproductive health.