Lidl provides 80,000 free period products between May – December 2021
Retailer says it has "never experienced a redemption like this for any in-store initiative"
Print15 February 2022
As the first major retailer in the world to commit to combatting period poverty by offering free sanitary products in stores nationwide in April 2021, Lidl Ireland reports it has already donated more than 80,000 units through the initiative between May and December of 2021.
The retailer has also donated thousands of sanitary products to The Simon Communities of Ireland to reach those who may not have access to a smartphone, and through their partners at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA).
The retailer recently co-hosted an event entitled ‘Combatting Period Poverty with Dignity’ with Homeless Period Ireland to discuss the issue, chaired by TV presenter, Nadine Reid.
Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints. National data regarding consistent poverty rates suggests that approximately 53,000 – 85,000 women and girls may be at risk of period poverty*.
There is significant evidence of period poverty amongst certain high-risk groups, including those experiencing homelessness and/or active addiction. Latest research from an omnibus of 1,000 members of the public undertaken by iReach on behalf of Lidl shines a light on the challenges associated with period poverty in Ireland.
The research found that three in four people in Ireland believe that period products should be free to those experiencing period poverty.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin who previously brought a motion on period poverty in the Dail in 2019 on behalf of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, described period poverty as “a real issue for women in Ireland” which is having “a negative impact on their education, well-being and quality of life”.
Lidl said the group has never experienced a redemption like this for any in-store initiative.
“However, we realise that we all need to go so much further in eliminating period poverty in Ireland,” said JP Scally, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. “We are committed to keeping the discussion front and centre as the legislation continues to be debated.”
*(Source: Period poverty in Ireland report, The Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, 2021)
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