This petition is born out of a deeply personal and distressing experience. An 11-year-old Year 7 pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni unexpectedly started her period during a lesson. When she asked to go to the toilet, she was denied permission. As a result, she experienced heavy menstruation without any protection available. By the time school ended and she could finally take care of herself, it was too late; she was already in an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation.

This incident has had profound effects on this young girl's wellbeing and academic focus; worrying about standing up or moving around for fear of further embarrassment has hindered her concentration in school.

The current toilet policy at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni does not take into account such situations where immediate access to toilets is necessary for students' health and dignity. This needs to change.

We believe that every student should have unrestricted access to toilets during school hours for emergencies like these. The World Health Organization states that "adequate sanitation... impacts not just health but dignity, especially for women." (WHO)

We are calling on the administration of Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni to reform their toilet policy immediately so no other student has to endure such an ordeal again.

Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding our children's health, dignity, and right to education without fear or embarrassment.