Free Period Products Could Soon Be a Thing On The Isle of Man

It looks like the Isle of Man could be taking a big step towards free period products, after MHKs backed a move from Manx Labour Party leader Joney Faragher to introduce new legislation this week.

The Douglas East MHK’s proposed Bill would make period products freely available in public buildings across the island, aiming to provide ‘free accessible period products for all who need them’ and to ensure ‘comfort, hygiene and dignity’ for everyone.

Speaking in the House of Keys on Tuesday, Joney said: ‘Period products are no different’ to other essentials like toilet paper, and she’s been banging this drum for a while.

She previously raised the issue back in May, when 20 MHKs supported her motion and four voted against.

She’s also worked alongside The Manx Menstrual Movement, set up by Gef’s own Rhian Evans and her friend Nicki Gaskell after being inspired by Scotland’s decision to roll out free period products nationally.

Not everyone in the Keys was immediately convinced, though.

Rob Callister said he supported the principle but thought schools should be the first focus.

Chris Thomas wanted clarity on who’d actually run the scheme, while Julie Edge was worried about cost, saying: ‘I’m very concerned about agreeing to allow a private member’s bill on this today without knowing the financial impact on every taxpayer.’

Joney, however, pointed out that similar schemes elsewhere have cost less than expected, adding that the aim is simply to bring the island ‘parity with our neighbouring jurisdictions.’

The motion passed with 21 votes for and just two against, so the push for free period products moves one big step closer to becoming a reality here on Manx soil.