ILOCOS Norte 1st District Representative Ria Christina Fariñas has filed a measure seeking to provide women’s kit to female pupils and students in public schools.

In pushing for House Bill 4590 or the proposed Young Women’s Kit Act, Fariñas said one salient characteristic that distinguishes men and women is menstruation.

The lawmaker said the unexpected arrival of first menstruation causes confusion and panic among inexperienced teenagers.

“Due to the sudden start of menstruation, these young women do not have immediate access to necessary menstruation items like sanitary napkins. Most of the time, they experience their first menstruation when they are within the premises of the school and are not allowed to go out for security purposes,” Fariñas said in her explanatory note.

The lawmaker believes that while the Department of Education issued Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools Program, the Department of Health shall be the lead agency in the identification of the contents of the Young Women’s Kit.

Under the measure, young women in elementary and secondary public high schools will be provided with free kits they can use during their period. The kit shall contain commonly used items and medicine for menstrual health and hygiene such as sanitary napkins, tampons, pantyliners, disinfectant, pain reliever and disposable underwear.

It also mandates the implementation of an awareness campaign designed to educate students, parents, guardians and school personnel on the menstrual process, the stigma, misconception, and gender norms attached to it.

All female students from Grade 7 to 12, including students in earlier grade levels who may experience the onset menstruation shall be provided with Young Women’s Kit.

Private schools were also encouraged to implement and fund the program within their campuses.