Well-being The article discusses various aspects of health. --- This piece deconstructs different facets of wellness. - More and more Berlin women receive free tampons and pads.
Public restrooms in Berlin are now freely supplying menstrual supplies like tampons and pads. This free distribution is prevalent in schools in districts like Mitte, Reinickendorf, Spandau, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, and Treptow-Köpenick. There are also pilot programs happening in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Women can access these supplies in various youth centers and women gathering spots.
Educational institutions are also addressing the needs of their female students by distributing menstrual products. Places like the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Free University of Berlin, the University of the Arts in Berlin-Weißensee, the Catholic University of Applied Sciences for Social Work Berlin, and the University of the Arts Berlin are amongst the ones providing tampons and pads. Some other universities are conducting trials or planning to provide free menstrual products to their students.
However, there is still a need for improvement in certain government buildings. As per Finance State Secretary Wolfgang Schyrocki (CDU), only a few district offices and the Senate Department for Culture currently have menstrual products for their employees. This policy won't be extended to other districts until 2025 for State Administration Office and the Senate Department for Justice and Consumer Protection from autumn 2024.
The low cost of this service is another positive point. The expenditure is below 300 euros annually in most cases, except for the district office Treptow-Köpenick, which incurs 1150 euros in yearly expenses.
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- Many Berlin women in districts like Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Tempelhof-Schöneberg are benefiting from pilot programs that provide free tampons and pads, contributing to their health and hygiene.
- It's important to note that some menstrual articles, such as bandages, are not included in the free distribution but can still be purchased at pharmacies or other retail outlets.
- The CDU, through Finance State Secretary Wolfgang Schyrocki, has acknowledged the need for improvement in providing menstrual products in government buildings like district offices and Senate departments, aiming for wider implementation by 2025.
- In contrast, some men, who may also require hygiene products, might not have the same level of support or access to free provisions, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to health and hygiene services.
- Berlin's initiative in supplying free menstrual articles in public spaces and educational institutions has set a positive example for cities around the world, promoting equality and inclusivity in women's health and wellness.
Source: www.stern.de
