A bill being introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday aims to bring an end to period poverty across the country, an MLA has said.
SDLP MLA Pat Catney will hear the first reading of the Period Products Bill he introduced to the Assembly on October 11.
The Lagan Valley elected representative said the proposed legislation would end "gendered barriers" and "create a fairer and more equal society”.
He added that it would also help 'mitigate costs of products for people who are struggling most in society'.
He said: “I am delighted that after much hard work, engagement with local groups and planning that my Period Products Bill had its first reading in the Assembly on Monday.
"Period poverty is a huge issue throughout our society, with the SDLP’s consultation on the bill revealing 45% of respondents struggled to afford or access sanitary products.
"With the cost of living and other essential products on the rise we need to do what we can to mitigate these costs for people who are struggling.
“For too long we have been failing our women and girls on this issue. These products are not luxuries, they are essentials and they cost a significant amount of money.
"That people are forced to go without them because they cannot afford them is utterly disgraceful. There should be no stigma around accessing these products when needed and those that are unable to afford them should be provided with them. Being unable to obtain period products is damaging to both a woman’s physical and mental health.
“As a father of three women with three grandchildren who are girls I think we need to do everything we can to make the world a kinder and safer place for all women.
"This bill will be an important step in helping those who need it and I hope every party will see sense and back it on its journey through the Assembly. It’s important we do everything we can to remove gendered barriers and create a fairer and more equal society.”
