Senator JV Ejercito has introduced Senate Bill 2475 in the Philippine Senate. This bill aims to provide free menstrual products to female students and women, particularly those who cannot afford them.
Senator Ejercito emphasized that women’s rights to accessible and affordable menstrual care have been overlooked for too long. The bill mandates the Department of Education to supply menstrual products to female students, while the Department of Health is tasked with distributing these products at Barangay Health Centers.
Ejercito, the vice chairman of the Senate health and demography committee, highlighted the importance of normalizing menstrual health and hygiene. He pointed out that the lack of discussion around menstrual health has led to discrimination and stigma. This has had severe consequences, such as young Filipinas missing school due to shame, embarrassment, and the unaffordability of menstrual products.
Drawing attention to the global impact of cultural practices and taboos around menstruation, Ejercito cited the World Health Organization’s recognition of menstrual health as a health and human rights issue. He also mentioned UNICEF’s statement about the prevalence of period poverty in underprivileged communities.
The senator argued that providing equitable access to safe and free menstrual products would not only decrease the risk of infection but also positively impact sexual and reproductive health. This initiative could reduce teenage pregnancy rates and prevent urinary and reproductive tract infections.
If the bill becomes law, the Philippines will join countries like Scotland in offering free menstrual products to those in need, marking a significant advancement in gender equality and women’s health rights.