In a test phase, the city of Schwerin has been providing free menstrual products at two locations for a year. The administration is now providing details of the test, which was apparently successful.
The hygiene products were offered free of charge at the Bertolt Brecht School and the Fridericianum High School. “The offers were very well received at the school locations of the pilot project,” it was said after the end of the test phase. Now, according to the city administration, all secondary schools in Schwerin, including vocational and special schools, are to be equipped with free menstrual products by the end of the year.
Hardly any demand at the start of the project in Schwerin
The project got off to a bumpy start. After a critical debate in the city council, the majority of city representatives approved the Greens’ proposal at the beginning of December 2022. The city administration then wrote to all public schools as possible locations, but received no response. In further discussions, the management of the Bertolt Brecht School and the Fridericianum High School were finally convinced.
The schools say that the test was successful, meaning that the hygiene products were used. “It is positive to note that there is no misuse of the menstrual products provided,” said the administration.
This is what Schwerin costs to provide the articles
The costs are also listed in detail. The donors will have to pay just over 300 euros. In three test months, just under 650 euros were spent on consumption at the two locations, which was still below the city’s estimates.
Free menstrual products are intended to promote social justice and equality. The provision of free hygiene products helps to reduce the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation. In educational institutions, it improves the participation of female students, who often miss classes due to a lack of resources.
