Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of addressing period poverty on achieving Sustainable Development Goal number four on inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The UK is committed to ensuring that every girl has the chance to access 12 years of quality education and learning, as highlighted in our 2018 Education Policy. This includes recognising the importance of providing menstrual hygiene facilities in schools and tackling discriminatory gender norms (including taboos around menstruation) to support girls to stay in education during their periods.

We are proud to support a range of menstrual hygiene interventions to help keep girls in school. Through the Girls’ Education Challenge Fund we are including menstrual hygiene activities across 12 countries.