Manx Government Grants Royal Assent to Period Products Act, Making Sanitary Towels and Tampons

Island of Man to Make Period Products Free for All Women and Girls.

The Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2026 has been granted Royal Assent. Paving the way for the provision of free sanitary towels and tampons to women and girls on the Isle of Man. This move aims to prevent women and girls from missing school.

Work, or daily activities due to the lack of access to these products, a problem highlighted by the Manx Menstrual Movement.

The initiative, led by the public health department, will provide free period products to women and girls on the island. This follows similar programmes in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There, the provision of free period products has been implemented to address period poverty.

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The Act will not come into force until October 2027. However, its implementation is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of women and girls on the island.

The Manx Menstrual Movement, co-founded by Rhian Evans and Nicki Gaskell in 2023, has played a important step in raising awareness about period poverty on the island. The movement's efforts have led to the establishment of donation stations and a pick and mix station at Douglas City Library. This highlights the need for accessible and affordable period products.

Rhian Evans from the Manx Menstrual Movement described Royal Assent as "a long time coming", acknowledging the movement's tireless efforts to address this issue.

Public health officials will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most suitable and sustainable products to make available. The distribution of these products will be helped through partnerships with local authorities. Schools, libraries, the Isle of Man Foodbank, and other charities.

This collaborative approach ensures that the products meet the diverse needs of the island's population.

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The provision of free period products is essential for ensuring that women and girls have access to these basic health and hygiene products. The lack of access to these products can have significant consequences. This includes missed school or work days, and reduced participation in daily activities.

By making these products available, the island is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that all women and girls have access to the resources they need to maintain good health and hygiene.

The Royal Assent Sanitary, a key partner in the initiative, has been instrumental in supporting the Manx Menstrual Movement and promoting the importance of accessible period products. The partnership between the public health department and local charities will be vital in distributing the free period products and ensuring their availability to all women and girls on the island.

By providing free period products, the island is taking a significant step towards addressing period poverty and promoting the health and well-being of its residents. As the provision of free period products becomes available, the island is poised to become a leader in addressing this critical issue.