Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, the Liberal Democrats will today [Wednesday 4 March] introduce a Bill to hold the Conservatives to account on their commitment to tackle global period poverty.
If passed, the Bill will ensure the Government is held to account on Penny Mordaunt’s 2019 pledge to end period poverty around the world by 2030.
Wendy Chamberlain, Lib Dem MP for North East Fife, is calling on Government to “show leadership” by taking forward the legislation.
The Bill builds on measures taken to end period poverty within the UK, with the recent roll out of free sanitary products in Wales and England.
Speaking ahead of introducing the Bill, Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “No girl should lose out on education as a result of stigma around menstruation or lack of access to sanitary products. This is an intolerable situation that is all-too-real for thousands of women and girls around the world.
“This time last year Secretary Penny Mordaunt pledged that the UK would help eradicate period poverty globally by 2030. The Government must be held to account on this commitment. My Bill will do just that, ensuring Ministers are regularly reporting on steps taken to meet this target.
“International Aid should be a force for good. Ending global period poverty would deliver enormous benefits to women around the world. I hope to see the new Secretary of State for International Development show leadership in taking forward my Bill, in solidarity with women around the world.”