Isle of Man to provide free period products to low income households

The Isle of Man government will provide free period products to women, girls, and those who menstruate through a new legislative scheme.

Matt Tyrer, the public health director, stated that sanitary towels and tampons are basic hygiene products that are essential rather than optional. The initiative aims to ensure that people do not have to miss school, work, or daily activities due to a lack of supplies.

The Period Products (free provision) Act bill received Royal Assent after MHK Joney Faragher introduced it as a private members bill in 2024. The law will not come into force until October 2027. This move follows similar programs established in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Rhian Evans and Nicki Gaskell founded the Manx Menstrual Movement in 2023 to address period poverty. They previously established donation stations and a pick and mix station at Douglas City Library as interim solutions.

Becky Rolwey, head of public health communities, said the organization will spend the next year determining the most sustainable and suitable products to provide. Local authorities, schools, libraries, the Isle of Man Foodbank, and various charities may serve as distribution points.