Free tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual protectors are offered at less than half of all schools in Sweden – and one in ten girls reports having missed lessons due to lack of access to menstrual protection, according to a previous study.
The Liberals are now proposing, inspired by the American election campaign, free menstrual protection. With the help of a government grant, organizations will be able to distribute menstrual protection to girls who have difficulty accessing it, for example, in schools and libraries.
In the USA, the Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has implemented free menstrual protection in Minnesota schools.
The Liberals' proposal does not aim as broadly, but focuses on vulnerable groups. Minister for Gender Equality Paulina Brandberg highlights that menstruation can be very taboo in honor cultures.
For example, there may be misconceptions that girls should not use tampons because they would then "lose their virginity". This can make girls feel that they cannot participate in swimming lessons or other physical activities when they have their period, she says.
The Liberals estimate that the proposal would cost between 20 and 40 million kronor per year.
