As young women in high school preparing to embark on our university journeys next year, we are acutely aware of the challenges many of us face due to period poverty. We've been fortunate enough to benefit from government-funded period products in our high school settings through the existing Ikura Programme. This initiative has provided critical support for those of us struggling to afford basic menstruation supplies.

However, we are concerned that this support will not transition with us into our tertiary education settings. Access to period products is not just a convenience—it's a necessity for maintaining health, dignity, and full participation in educational opportunities. The absence of support can have profound effects on young women's education and mental well-being, creating unnecessary barriers to success.

In New Zealand, period poverty is a reality for many. According to a recent study, about one in twelve students miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary items, a statistic that is likely mirrored in tertiary environments. Extending the Ikura Programme to include universities and other tertiary institutions is not just a step towards equality, but a significant move to ensure that every young woman has the opportunity to thrive academically, free from the worry of basic needs going unmet.

We acknowledge the progress made with this programme in high schools and applaud these efforts, but now it's time to envision a broader scope. We urge Chris Hipkins, the Minister of Education, to expand the Ikura Programme to all tertiary education settings across New Zealand. By doing so, you will be directly supporting thousands of students who are in need.

Join us in advocating for this change. Sign the petition to let our leaders know that everyone deserves an education unburdened by financial distress over basic sanitary needs. Together, we can bridge the gap and build a more inclusive educational environment for all.