Period poverty is a significant concern in developing countries, including Fiji, where many women and girls struggle to access necessary menstrual products. This lack of access often results in young women missing school or university, which adversely affects their education and future prospects.
To combat this issue, the Fiji National University Students’ Association (FNUSA) has introduced the FemCare Initiative, a pioneering program designed to provide free sanitary pads to all female students, commencing in Semester 1, 2025. This initiative represents a crucial advancement in tackling period poverty, empowering FNU’s female students, and ensuring that everyone has access to essential health resources necessary for their education.
During the launch of the FemCare Initiative, Professor Jimaima Lako, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Learning & Teaching, noted that this program is likely the first of its type in both Fiji and the Pacific region.
“By initiating the FemCare Initiative, FNUSA is embodying one of Fiji National University’s (FNU) core values – Care!” stated Professor Lako.
She acknowledged FNUSA President Mohammed Iqbal for his vision and congratulated the team for the successful launch.
“This initiative is timely as it perfectly coincides with Pinktober, a month dedicated to raising awareness not only about breast cancer but also regarding various health and wellness issues faced by women,” she added.
Professor Lako emphasized that discussions around female hygiene and health remain a taboo in many communities, but as an educational institution, there is a responsibility to address these topics, share experiences, and ensure that community members recognize the signs of health problems early, allowing them to seek timely medical assistance.
She further stressed the importance of advocating for preventative measures, as prevention is more effective than treatment.
“You have taken a significant step by providing free pads to our female students at all our campuses,” she remarked.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor encouraged more men to take the initiative to educate themselves on the needs of their female peers, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health issues.