(Trinidad Express) – THE Government has committed $5 million to a new Women’s Health Fund aimed at helping women and girls affected by period poverty, with menstrual kits set to be distributed to schools under a pilot programme.
The Ministry of Finance held the second meeting of the Women’s Health Fund Committee on August 17, where members discussed the fund’s continued operationalisation, private sector donations and measures to improve menstrual health outcomes across Trinidad and Tobago.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the initiative aimed to improve the health, dignity and educational outcomes of women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable communities.
“I am honoured to be part of the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration pioneering this much-needed initiative for disenfranchised girls and women in Trinidad and Tobago. With support such as this, we are positioning them to continue to excel at every level,” Tancoo said.
Under the pilot programme, menstrual kits will be distributed to educational institutions, alongside menstrual health education and public sensitisation initiatives targeting various groups, including men and boys.
The committee will oversee the fund and make recommendations to the finance minister on the disbursement of funds for interventions aimed at addressing period poverty.
