Horowhenua effort to combat period poverty

A local initiative to collect sanitary items for young women who can't afford them has been launched. Photo / 123RF

A new initiative designed to help combat period poverty has been launched in Horowhenua.

Bare Essentials has been created by Oranga Tamariki practitioner and local woman Therese Apatu, and will involve collating a collection of feminine products and new underwear for those who cannot afford them.

Ms Apatu says she is aware that there are girls and teenagers who miss school when they have their period as they can't afford adequate essential supplies.

"My mission is to get these supplies to all the schools in our region and if possible any other area that girls might frequent and have them readily available as required," she said.

"Some of these girls are using toilet paper, clothing and any other means as protection.

"Menstruating is not a dignifying experience as most females will attest, but it happens monthly so let'sgive these girls some dignity back."

She has established dropoff points for people to donate items, including sanitary pads, liners, tampons and new underwear, in Levin, Foxton and Otaki.

While stocks are slowly building up, Ms Apatu hopes the momentum will increase and there will be enough donations to make a real difference in the lives of young women in the area.

She has launched a Facebook page called Bare Essentialsto provide information about the campaign.

Visit www.facebook.com/Bare-Essentials-2117682911833786/ to find out more.

To donate any sanitary items, drop them off at MTA, or SuperGrans or Oranga Tamariki in Levin, at Work and Income Otaki or at 30 Futter Street in Foxton.