For two years, Ma’i movement has fought for public school students in Hawaii to have access to free menstrual products. Its effort became a reality recently when Gov. David Ige signed a bill that requires the Department of Education to provide pads and tampons at all public and charter schools starting in 2023.
"When students didn't have access to period products, they missed class, left school early or didn't come at all," Ma'i movement co-founder Nikki-Ann Yee told KITV. "No student should suffer unnecessarily for their biology and miss out on their education."
Ige's signature ensures the state will allocate $2 million to pay for the menstrual products the Ma’i movement has sought dating back to last year to end what they call “period poverty.” After a similar bill died in the legislative session, the group, according to KITV, used grants to conduct surveys that revealed eight out of 10 students struggled to get period products, either because of costs or embarrassment. That, Ma’i said, led to students being teased and bullied for stains on their clothing.
"I signed a bill that will make menstrual products free in Hawai'i's public schools," Ige posted on his Facebook account. "It's simple. No child should be forced to miss class because they can't afford menstrual products and need to stay home. Thanks to all who helped make this bill a reality for our kids."
Students at Ilima Intermediate School felt compelled to support the effort, knowing it would help their fellow classmates.
"It feels nice to know that I have a voice in society and that no matter what you do, if you try hard enough, people will listen to you. Even as a middle schooler," Ilima Intermediate student Cyri Wheeler told KITV.