Period Dignity
Period Dignity refers to the accessibility and availability of essential care needed to support a period, in conjunction with the breaking of stigma and taboo around periods.
The NI Executive agreed in December 2020 to fund a pilot scheme to provide free period products to all schools in Northern Ireland with effect from September 2021
This web area has been developed to provide up-to-date information and support materials for teachers on the NI Period Dignity Pilot Scheme.
NI Period Dignity Pilot Scheme
The scheme aims to ensure that period products are available to learners where and when they need them, as well as provide educational support within the school setting.
CCEA is working in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Education Authority, and a wider educational steering group, to oversee upcoming curriculum materials and a bespoke online Teacher Professional Learning Programme for schools.
Education is a key factor in addressing the stigma surrounding periods, promoting respect and understanding, as well as enabling open discussions about what people may experience when menstruating.
This pilot scheme also aims to tackle period poverty by helping learners reach their potential. Period poverty generally refers to poor menstrual knowledge and/or access to period products.