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Dublin, 27th May, 2025 – Plan International Ireland, a leading advocate for girls’ rights and menstrual dignity, is today convening a high-level roundtable of stakeholder allies at the Mansion House in Dublin. The aim is to reignite its Period Justice Campaign ahead of tomorrow’s World Menstrual Health Day, May 28th.
With menstrual health continuing to be a barrier to education, equity and dignity for millions of girls and women around the world, this timely roundtable brings together civil society leaders, policymakers and youth advocates in strengthening Plan’s continuing mission to end period poverty, eliminate stigma and advocate for inclusive education and menstrual products for all who need them.
The aim is that the discussions, which will involve delegates from Her Sport and Hygiene Hub, along with members of Plan International’s Youth Advisory Panel, will inform a revitalised campaign strategy that amplifies youth voices and prioritises intersectional, rights-based solutions both in Ireland and globally.
Menstrual Health Day is marked annually to highlight the persistent inequalities surrounding menstrual health and hygiene globally. This year’s Menstrual Health Day is themed “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, urging collective action to ensure that menstruation does not limit access to education, health or opportunity.
At least 500 million girls and women don’t have what they need to manage their period, whether sanitary products or access to a clean toilet. Lacking access to menstrual health supplies has profound consequences for girls’ wellbeing and physical health.The stigma surrounding menstruation both stems from and worsens gender inequality.
Research undertaken in Ireland in recent years by various government departments and bodies, including Plan International Ireland, have revealed some concerning findings including;
50 percent of girls between 12 and 19 have struggled to afford period products
Over 60 percent had missed school due to their period.
Chantal Muldoon, Head of Operations at Her Sport, said,
“No girl should ever have to skip school or sport because she doesn’t have access to a toilet or a tampon. Menstruation is not optional, and neither should be access to toilets or period products. 100% of our community believe that period products should be freely available in schools and 99% believe they should be freely available in sports clubs. At Her Sport, we’re calling for free access to period products in schools and clubs.
Time and time again we hear of coaches having to stop in to the town 20 minutes away from the club for girls to access bathrooms. It’s not just about the girl who gets her first period and doesn’t know what to do, but all girls and women who need access to toilets because of normal and natural biological event – a monthly period.In hundreds of clubs across the country, there is no access to toilets on sports club grounds, with 85% of our community having attended a competition/match where there were no toilet facilities.
It’s time for real investment in the health and dignity of girls and women in sport. Period poverty is a barrier to participation – and it’s time we broke it down.”“At Plan International, we work in over 75 countries to ensure menstrual health is not a barrier to education, safety or opportunity,” said Paul O’Brien, CEO of Plan International Ireland.
“As we mark World Menstrual Health Day, we are calling for bold action to ensure that menstruation is recognised not just as a health issue, but as a fundamental human rights issue. From refugee camps to classrooms, we’ve seen what works — and we believe Ireland has the potential to be a leader in showing how a high-income country can tackle period injustice boldly and inclusively.”
“We are extremely grateful to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain for her support and for allowing us to convene this important discussion here in the Mansion House today,” he concluded.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain said:
“I am happy to support Plan International in its tireless campaign to remove any stigma, taboos or obstacles for girls around the world – including here in Ireland – being able to manage their periods with dignity and allow them to reach their full potential.”
There is a commitment in the current Programme for Government ‘to provide free period products in schools to ensure no student is held back due to period poverty’, and an inter-departmental period poverty group has been formed. Plan International has reached out to both the Departments of Education and Health for an update on progress.
Join us as we work to make period justice a reality – because periods shouldn’t pause potential.
