Period poverty remains a critical issue in developing nations like Fiji, where many women and girls face challenges in accessing basic menstrual products. This lack of access often forces young women to miss school or university, affecting their education and future opportunities.

Recognising the need to break these barriers, the Fiji National University Students’ Association (FNUSA) has launched the FemCare Initiative, a groundbreaking program that will provide free sanitary pads to all female students starting in Semester 1, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing period poverty, empowering FNU’s female students, and ensuring that no one is left behind in their education due to a lack of essential health resources.

Speaking at the launch of the FemCare Initiative, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Learning & Teaching, Professor Jimaima Lako, said that the initiative was unique and probably the first of its kind not only in Fiji but also in the Pacific.

“By starting the FemCare Initiative, FNUSA is demonstrating one of Fiji National University’s (FNU) values – Care!” said Professor Lako.

She also thanked the FNUSA President, Mohammed Iqbal for his foresight and congratulated the team on the successful launch of the initiative.

“This initiative is timely as it aligns wonderfully with the Pinktober month, where we raise awareness not only on breast cancer, but other health and wellness issues faced by females.”

“Female hygiene, health and wellness issues are still a taboo topic in most communities but for us as an educational institution, we are supposed to be talking about it, sharing experiences and ensuring that members of our community know the signs of female health and wellness issues early and can seek the needed medical assistance.”

She added that the FNU community must advocate preventative measures as prevention is better than cure.

“You have taken a first step towards this through the provision of free pads to our female students across all our campuses.”

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor encouraged more males to take the bold step and educate themselves on the needs of their female counterparts especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health issues.