LISTEN - Local councillor backs #FreePeriod campaign

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Councillor Sandra Duffy has given her backing to the '#FreePeriod' campaign which is calling for free tampons and sanitary towels to be provided in all schools for girls. 

The campaign was launched by an 18 year old Amika George in England, off the back of a report that stated girls were missing a few days of school every month, simply because they couldn't afford the essential sanitary items. 

Amika is now calling for girls on free school dinners, to also be able to receive free tampons or sanitary towels in their schools. 

The movement also highlights that sanitary items are still taxable products in the UK and are classed as a luxury item, rather than an essential. 
 

18 year old Amika is holding a peaceful protest at Parliament Square in London today to call on the British Government to end 'period poverty' in the UK. 

On WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20TH we will PROTEST in Parliament Square to call on the British Government to end Period Poverty in the U.K.

THIS PROTEST IS FOR EVERYONE.

THIS PROTEST IS PEACEFUL. It's simply a call for action. #freeperiods #PeriodPoverty pic.twitter.com/o1nYzYOfD8

— FightForFree (@AmikaGeorge) December 1, 2017

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Duffy has said it's a disgrace that girls have become disadvantaged because of having their period and is urging everyone to get behind this movement:

To show their solidarity, people across the UK have been tweeting #FreePeriod today: 

We are campaigning for all girls on free school meals to also receive free sanitary products. #FreePeriods

— Tanya Burr (@TanyaBurr) December 19, 2017

Speaking of which, on Wednesday eve I'm heading to the @pinkprotest #FreePeriods protest. If you think every girl receiving free school meals should also get free sanitary protection, come and support the movement! 🌷❤️💃

— Lucy Moon 🌻 (@iamnotlucymoon) December 18, 2017

— Niamh Ni Longain (@niamhie53) December 19, 2017