Watch: Free Menstrual Products Introduced In Maltese Secondary Schools To Help End Period Stigma
Starting this scholastic year, every secondary school student in Malta and Gozo, whether attending a state, church, or private school, will have free access to menstrual products, as part of a nationwide initiative to end period stigma and normalise menstruation.
The landmark initiative, led by Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg and coordinated by the Human Rights Directorate, is being rolled out following the success of last year’s pilot in three schools, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
This project will benefit around 11,000 students in Malta and Gozo.
Under the new scheme, smart vending machines dispensing free sanitary pads and tampons will be installed in all middle and secondary schools.
Funded with a €500,000 budget over four years, the initiative also includes educational and awareness campaigns to encourage open and respectful conversations around menstruation.
Teachers and counsellors will receive guidance on how to create supportive environments where students can talk about menstruation with respect and understanding.
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The project ties into Malta’s Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy, which recently removed VAT on menstrual products, making them more affordable nationwide.
For decades, menstrual stigma has silenced conversations and fuelled embarrassment about a natural biological process, often leading to lost school days, skipped activities, and lowered self-esteem for students without access to proper products.
Now, that’s starting to change. The government’s commitment to tackling period stigma marks a cultural shift towards treating menstruation as normal, healthy, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Education and awareness campaigns will continue to challenge outdated myths and promote understanding, making sure that every student who menstruates feels supported, empowered, and respected.
It’s a small but powerful step towards dignity, inclusion, and equality, and a Malta where no one is made to feel ashamed of their body.
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