Netball Manawatū Development Officer Rebecca Boyd (centre) holds a period pack. Standing alongside her are Sport Manawatū staff Cheycoda Cocks and Matthew Conger.
The statistics paint a bleak picture. The Youth19 survey found that 7.5 percent of New Zealand students missed school because they did not have access to menstrual products. In lower-income areas, that number rises to 20 percent.
These aren’t just numbers – they represent the lives of young people whose education and well-being are at risk, says Sport Manawatū chief executive Kelly Shanks.
The reach of period poverty also extends to the world of sport, impacting participation and performance in subtle but significant ways.
Some girls and women experiencing period poverty may choose to avoid physical activity. This leads to lower fitness levels, reduced health and overall well-being.
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Period poverty can also affect self-esteem and motivation. Girls and women who menstruate can feel embarrassed, ashamed or stigmatized about something as natural as their period. These emotional hurdles hinder participation in sports.
Sport Manawatū reached out to the community and 480 sports teams across the region asked for support, says Shanks.
Thanks to the New Zealand Community Trust and New World Pioneer, free menstrual products were provided to these sports teams.
If you manage, coach or play on a sports team with girls or women aged 24 or under and would like more information about this initiative, call Regional Sports Director Matthew Conger on 06 357 5349.
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