The state government is offering young people across Victorian government schools’, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, free pelvic pain and menstrual health education from next year.
Education Minister Ben Carroll recently announced at least 400 in person education sessions will be given to students in Years 5 to 10 with education expected to begin by 2025.
The sessions will include curriculum-aligned, age-appropriate and evidence-based information about menstrual health and pelvic pain. Students will develop skills and confidence to recognise when and how to seek help and support.
The state government has also announced a trial of free individual tampons and reusable products like period underwear in a select number of Victorian government schools this year. Schools will provide feedback to understand the best ways menstruating students can access reusable period products.
The program and trial will be rolled out in addition to the government’s $36.2 million Australian-first Free Period Products initiative.
An Australian study indicated that 21 per cent of young people between the ages of 15 and 19 experience severe pelvic pain during their periods. The education sessions will cover period pain as well as endometriosis and a range of other conditions which result in pelvic pain among women and girls.
Almost half of all Australian women experience pelvic pain – for those one in 9 women with endometriosis, diagnosis can take on average seven years.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the initiative will work to ensure more young Victorian girls understand their bodies and seek help before their pain impacts their overall health and wellbeing.
“We know that schoolyard conversation around menstruation and pelvic pain has historically been seen as taboo – that’s why education to destigmatise and remove the shame associated with periods is so important,” she said.
