England Netball has taken Girlguiding’s Period Poverty pledge and is proud to lend its voice to the campaign.
According to Plan International UK, one in ten girls in the UK has been unable to afford period products and 49% of girls have missed an entire day of school because of their period; making up a lie or excuse.
Girlguiding wants to help end period poverty and tackle the stigma and shame connected to periods.
England Netball CEO, Joanna Adams, commented: “This is another great campaign in breaking down more barriers for young women.
“From a young age, there is a lot of stigma and taboo surrounding periods and we need to help change that so girls aren’t ashamed or uninformed.
“As the largest female team sport in the country, we want to empower young women both on and off the court so pledge to talk openly about periods and hope it will encourage others to do similarly.”
So what are Girlguiding calling for?
1: Governments across the UK to provide dedicated funding for schools, colleges and universities to provide period products to pupils and students who need them.
Why? Because 49% (Plan International UK) of girls have missed an entire day of school because of their period. Plus, a new survey from Plan International UK found one in five girls have changed to a less suitable period product and one in seven have had to borrow products from a friend due to cost issues.
2: We’re asking Girlguiding members and supporters across the country to take our pledge to talk openly about periods so that no one feels embarrassed or ashamed about periods.
Why? Because our Advocate panel tell us that language is very important in contributing to and tackling stigma and shame around periods. Using euphemisms and referring to ‘feminine hygiene’ or ‘sanitary products’ makes girls feel like periods are something to hide.
3: All pupils should receive the same information about periods in schools, and what to expect in puberty must be part of the new comprehensive relationships and sex education (RSE) school curriculum in England. We’re are also continuing to work with parliaments in devolved nations to improve information about periods.
Why? Because since 2014 girls have been telling us about the relationships and sex education they want in schools, and we’ve been working hard to make sure all young people get the information they need.
For further information and to find out how to get involved, visit the official Girlguiding website.
Article source: Girlguiding UK
