Free period products were made available in 48 community sport clubs across New Zealand as part of an initiative funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Leverage and Legacy Programme. The aim was to remove barriers for female players and create more inclusive club environments. This legacy programme initiative is now complete.
Here are the outcomes of providing free period products:
- increased player confidence and participation
- reduced stigma around menstruation in sport
- helped clubs foster open conversations about female health
- created a more inclusive environment for women and girls.
“[Players] turn up on game day, go to the toilet, and realise they’ve got their period. Before they [would make an excuse like] I’ve started feeling unwell, I have to go home’. Whereas I think it’s changed now.” – Club staff member
Coaches, administrators, and parents all play a crucial role in supporting female health. By normalising menstruation and ensuring access to necessary products, we can help keep more women and girls in the game for longer.
Read the full report on Sport New Zealand’s website or explore more female health resources on Sport NZ’s Flow on Effect site.
