Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what estimate he has made of the numbers of sanitary pads donated through UK aid programmes; and to what countries those donations were made.

In 2019, the UK announced new work to tackle period poverty and shame overseas and allocated £2m of funding for projects through UK Aid Direct in DFID priority countries.

DFID takes an integrated approach to tackling period poverty and shame, from reproductive health and sanitation programmes, to girls’ education and humanitarian programmes. Our programmes in Africa and Asia support access to products and safe and hygienic facilities. They also equip girls and women with knowledge about their bodies, seeking to address harmful stigma and shame.

We do not disaggregate the numbers of sanitary pads donated through UK aid programmes. We believe women and girls should be able to access a choice of period products that meet their needs, including sanitary pads. In some countries, UK aid is supporting women to make reusable products locally. This helps them generate an income and creates eco-friendly options that meet local women’s preferences.