PERIOD products are to be made freely available to pupils in primary and secondary schools, Education Minister Peter Weir has announced.
The pilot scheme is expected to cost around £2.6 million over three years and will launch in all schools with female pupils in September next year.
The scheme will be evaluated after the first year to establish whether it benefits pupils.
Mr Weir last night welcomed executive support for the scheme's funding, which he said was to "address period poverty in schools".
"Nobody should miss out on their education because they cannot afford or access these essential products," the minister said.
"Providing free period products will help pupils manage their periods confidently at school, reduce anxiety and stress and enable students to focus on their learning."
He said the scheme, which will be supported with curriculum materials and communications by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment, would "tackle the lack of education and the stigma around periods" which he said impacted negatively on young people.
Period poverty campaigner and Year 13 Strathearn School pupil Ellie Massey, who previously gave a presentation to the DUP minister's department, said she was pleased by the announcement of a pilot scheme.
"I have a passion for social justice and period poverty is an issue which relates to equality of opportunity and has the potential to impact positively on the lives of many students," she said.
Sinn Féin's Karen Mullan welcomed the minister's announcement.
The Foyle MLA said no girl should ever miss school because she cannot afford period products.
"In government, we’re making sure that period products are easily and freely accessible to those who need them," she said.
"We are committed to tackling period poverty and working to remove the stress and financial burden it places on women and girls.
