Legislature amends law to promote menstrual equity in schools

Taipei, Aug. 21 (CNA) Taiwan's Legislature on Friday amended the School Health Act to require education authorities to help schools provide menstrual products free of charge and promote menstrual health education, in a move aimed at advancing menstrual equity.

The Act now requires education authorities at all levels to assist schools in stocking menstrual products and promoting menstrual education, with the aim of reducing period poverty and creating a more inclusive and gender-equal school environment.

The amendments -- supported by a cross-party group of lawmakers -- also require elementary, junior high and senior high schools to provide health-related courses, including nutrition and mental health education.

The Education Ministry introduced a program in the 2023-24 academic year to provide students with access to a range of menstrual products.

However, lawmakers said the program had not been implemented consistently, and that codifying the policy in law would help ensure students have access to menstrual products and education.

The amended Act also prohibits emerging tobacco products such as e-cigarettes at all elementary, junior high and senior high schools. Some emerging tobacco products were not covered by the existing law.