Taipei, Aug. 21 (CNA) Taiwan’s Legislature on Friday amended the School Health Act to require education authorities to help schools provide menstrual products free of charge and promote menstrual health education, in a move aimed at advancing menstrual equity.
The Act now requires education authorities at all levels to assist schools in stocking menstrual products and promoting menstrual education, with the aim of reducing period poverty and creating a more inclusive and gender-equal school environment.
The amendments — supported by a cross-party group of lawmakers — also require elementary, junior high and senior high schools to provide health-related courses, including nutrition and mental health education.
The Education Ministry introduced a program in the 2023-24 academic year to provide students with access to a range of menstrual products.
However, lawmakers said the program had not been implemented consistently, and that codifying the policy in law would help ensure students have access to menstrual products and education.
The amended Act also prohibits emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes at all elementary, junior high and senior high schools. Some emerging tobacco products were not covered by the existing law.
• Continuous Period Equity Wire
Curator’s Note & Original Source
Love Her Period Foundation curates and republishes verified reports, policy milestones, and field updates to elevate national awareness and community action. Read the full investigation and verified reporting directly on the original publisher’s platform.
Take Action in Washington State
Period poverty affects 1 in 4 students and unhoused individuals across the Pacific Northwest. Help us distribute 100% certified organic hygiene care kits directly to schools, shelters, and community hubs.
The Economic Ripple Effect of the ‘Tampon Tax’: Why Basic Biological Necessities Must Be Tax-Exempt
Eighteen US states still treat menstrual products as ‘luxury goods’ while exempting candy, Viagra, and golf club memberships. Here is the financial reality of the regressive tampon tax and the legal battle to end it.
Breaking the Classroom Attendance Gap: Data from Our Title I School Care Kit Pilot
One in four students nationwide report missing school due to lack of period products. Six-month actuarial and attendance data from our regional Title I school pilot demonstrates the transformative impact of shame-free access.
Restoring Dignity on the Streets: How Outreach Workers Navigate Menstrual Hygiene for Unhoused Women
A ground-level examination of the daily survival strategies used by unhoused women navigating menstruation in Seattle and King County, and how mobile drop-in kits restore physical safety.