Government to improve menstrual voucher access

Fiji's Ministry of Education is set to enhance access to menstrual hygiene vouchers for girls nationwide, according to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. The ministry aims to ensure all eligible students receive these vouchers through the allocated funding.

Radrodro announced that his ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to broaden the availability of these vouchers by partnering with more retail outlets, moving beyond the current limited network. "I’d like to restate that students have difficulty accessing this product. So, with the allocation that has been given now, we will make sure that the same provision is made," he assured.

“

I’d like to restate that students have difficulty accessing this product. So, with the allocation that has been given now, we will make sure that the same provision is made.

However, Opposition MP Premila Kumar voiced concerns in Parliament regarding a reduction in funding for the menstrual hygiene management program. She proposed a motion to increase the allocation by $300,000, aiming to restore funding and ensure the program's objectives are met through timely delivery of products.

Kumar argued that delays in distribution, which affect students' access to sanitary products, should be addressed by improving planning, procurement, and distribution systems, not by cutting funding. She emphasized that sufficient funding would enable the ministry to distribute vouchers and products promptly. The program was established to prevent girls from missing school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products, while also promoting dignity and inclusivity.

“

So, when a program experiences delays in implementation, the solution should be to improve the planning, procurement and distribution system, and not to reduce the funding available for the program.