Larbert High pupils helping tackle period poverty

The four-strong group are working together to stock the school toilets with free sanitary products, while educating their fellow pupils on period poverty, the stigma and long-term effects it can have on girls’ lives.

Elle-Rose Fotheringham explained it all started after she wrote an article on period poverty in the UK for the school newspaper.

After reading the article Abby Reid, Tilly O’Donnell and Meredith Rae joined up with Elle-Rose to form a group, Lady Business to spread the message within the school.

They have been working since before Christmas to inform and educate students and teachers about period poverty, and their efforts are supported by Humanities teacher Mrs Lindsay Howie.

Meredith explained: “It just hit home when we saw all the stats of how many people it affects. It’s shocking.”

“It’s silent and no one talks about,” continued Tilly.

“It affects so many people, including some in this school and the wider community locally.”

Elle Rose added: “With these kinds of things you think of Africa and Third World countries, not about it happening here. Girls are missing education because of it.”

“We wanted to bring it to people’s attention,” said Abby.

“The school is being really supportive and we want everyone to understand this is a luxury even to have in our school.”

Mrs Howie had been sourcing free sanitary products and there was a container in one of the school’s toilets, but it was regularly vandalised.

Since the end of last year the Ladies, as they have become known in the school, have led assemblies with each year group and worked with the S2 Mess classes.

Tilly said: “Now we have got a new container and every two weeks we re-stock it.

“You can tell people are using the products as it’s almost empty when we re-fill it.

“We’ve now been given permission to put products into other toilets within the school.”

Mrs Howie added: “The girls did a great job with their assemblies, which were well responded to by pupils and teachers. The toilets haven’t been trashed since.

“Before the girls came to me I was doing it myself and I would get a weekly report of what had been wrecked.

“They are doing a fantastic job at spreading the word.”

Last week the four students turned their attentions to the Scottish Parliament where MSPs were voting on a new bill which would make period products available to all in Scotland free of charge. They joined a rally outside Holyrood as the legislation, put forward by Monica Lennon MSP, passed its first vote in the parliament.

The vote was the first step towards tackling period poverty, and if the Period Products Bill is passed in future it would make Scotland the first country in the world to provide period products for all women, completely free of charge. Speaking after the rally, the members of Lady Business, said: “Our experience was both enlightening and motivational. It was amazing to come together wtih other supporters and be with the people who are fighting for the same thing as us. It showed us how our little group does make an impact. The Bill also got passed at stage one, which is exciting.”

Following the news last week, Falkirk Council is highlighting locations around the district where sanitary products are available free of charge through the Our Falkirk map on its website.

Anna Adamson, Fairer Falkirk officer, said: “The Our Falkirk map already helps our communities find out where they can receive additional support, such as free WIFI, advice and support and community food projects.

“Now with the addition of over 30 locations where period products are available those that need them can easily find out where they are.”