MORE than half of schoolgirls across Oxfordshire who were promised free period products by the Government as part of a nationwide scheme have been abandoned without them.
Since the programme was launched in January last year, only 38 per cent of secondary schools and colleges in the county have signed up, according to data published by the Department for Education on Thursday.
This means that at least half of girls and young women, who may need pads and tampons, are not able to access them.
The scheme provides period products to all those who need them, including students who cannot afford them, have forgotten them, or come on their period unexpectedly.
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However, only 291 schools in Oxfordshire ordered the products, which accounts for 38 per cent and is well bellow the England average.
The Government is now encouraging all institutions eligible to apply to access free period products.
This follows the extension of the existing scheme, which will continue at least throughout this year.
Before the Government announced the nationwide scheme, the Red Box Project – a charity that works to provide period products to young women all across the country – helped more than 70 schools in Oxfordshire.
Co-founder of the charity Clegg Bamber commented after the figures were released last week: "At the Red Box Project we supported more than 70 schools and colleges across Oxfordshire ensuring that no young person misses out on their education due to having their period.
"Whilst we know times are strange with the current Covid-19 pandemic, we also know periods do not stop for pandemics.
"Whilst schools are inky open to children whose family and carers are critical workers, schools can still place orders for period products through the Government’s delivery partner, PHS Group, and arrange for students to collect the products they need, from school or college, in a Covid-19 safe way."
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However, Mr Bamber said it is 'promising' to see that 73 per cent of eligible schools have placed orders for period products nationally.
Since the programme launched in January last year, 9,702 schools and colleges have ordered period products, making them free and available to all their pupils and helping to reduce stigma around menstruation.
Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford commented: "No pupil should ever have to miss school because of their period.
"I am pleased to see over three quarters of secondary schools and colleges have accessed free period products, but I want everyone to know this support is available.
"If you are a school or a college leader, then I urge you to please get in touch and order these products for your pupils so that together we can help end period inequality for good."
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