Menstrual products are free in Catalonia!

Spain's Catalonia region has launched a women's health initiative providing menstrual products free of charge.

Approximately 2.5 million women and girls will be able to receive one menstrual cup, period underwear, and two packs of pads from pharmacies in the region for free.

The products to be distributed for free will be obtained from the recycling of used pad products.

The Catalan government announced that the goal of the initiative, titled "My period, my rules," is to "guarantee the right to menstrual equity."

According to a survey conducted by the regional government, 23 percent of women who participated stated that they reuse disposable hygiene products due to economic reasons.

Tània Verge, Catalonia's Minister for Equality and Feminism, stated, "For decades, women's sexual and reproductive rights have been at the center of the feminist struggle on a global scale. This makes our country a fairer place."

The distribution of reusable products also aims to reduce waste.

The regional government announced that Catalonia generates approximately 9 thousand tons of waste from disposable feminine hygiene products.

The reusable products are purchased by the public health system and distributed by more than 3 thousand private pharmacies in Catalonia.

The cost of the program to the regional government is calculated at 8.5 million euros.

Last year, the Spanish national government passed a law granting paid medical leave to women suffering from severe menstrual pain.

News Source: 12punto