The announcement follows a successful pilot program launched in the middle of last year, which provided free products to about 3,200 young people in 15 schools.
“Providing free products at school is a way for the government to directly address poverty, help increase school attendance and have a positive impact on children’s well-being,” Ardern said in a statement.
“We want to improve engagement, learning and behavior, less young people missing school because of the period and less financial difficulties among the families of the participating students.”
Speaking to reporters later in the day, Ardern said the survey showed that one in 12 young people was missing school due to this problem. She said the program will cost NZ $ 25 million ($ 17.96 million) by 2024.
Women’s Minister Jan Tinetti said problems with school periods include embarrassment, stigma, skipping classes, being “caught” without products, cost, lack of knowledge and discomfort.
“The students wanted information about periods, period products and other practical elements of managing their period, how to track and know when and who to ask for help,” she said.
The government will work with suppliers to manage a gradual implementation of the scheme, she said.
The youngest prime minister when she came to power in 2017, Ardern is seen as a global icon and a champion of women’s rights. She swept the polls in October, securing a second term with her government’s success in containing the spread of the coronavirus.
Her pregnancy and maternity leave during her 2018 term were hailed as a symbol of progress for women leaders. She made headlines around the world when she took her three-month-old daughter with her while attending the UN General Assembly in New York.