A package for Milly: Jackson Square to offer free sanitary products in campaign against period poverty from International Women’s Day

Jackson Square is helping to tackle period poverty in Bishop’s Stortford by launching a new campaign.

The Package for Milly initiative will begin on Saturday (March 8) - International Women’s Day.

Shoppers at the Potter Street precinct can ask any member of the centre’s staff for a “package for Milly”. They will be given a free, discreet envelope containing essential menstrual products, no questions asked.

The centre’s community manager, Hayley Harris, said: “We recognise that period poverty is a significant issue affecting many, not only in our country but also our local community.

“Our Package for Milly initiative is designed to provide dignified access to necessary products for those who may be struggling financially, appropriately named after women’s suffrage campaigner Millicent Fawcett.

“Period poverty is a real issue. Latest figures from ActionAid UK report that 10% of girls in the UK have been unable to purchase menstrual products, 15% have struggled to access them and 19% have switched to less appropriate products due to high costs.

“This campaign seeks to remove the stigma often associated with period poverty and ensure that no one in the community has to go without essential menstrual products due to financial constraints.”

Hayley added: “Launching this campaign on International Women’s Day 2025 not only underscores our commitment to the community but also highlights the important need for women’s health and equality.

“We hope this initiative will not only provide immediate relief but also spark broader conversations about period poverty in our society.”