A pilot project to introduce free menstrual products in school to start next scholastic year, parliamentary secretary for reforms and equality Rebecca Buttigieg said Monday.

In a press conference addressing menstrual hygiene, Buttigieg said that products will be distributed to girls and women who are still at school.

A study is underway to find the best way how the system will be operated.

Buttigieg said that menstruation affects women in various ways and that “it is our responsibility to allow women to take care of their menstruation with dignity”.

“It is a natural process, we shouldn’t put unjust stigma,” she said, adding that there needs to be more education on periods, given that it forms part of every woman’s reproductive health.

The parliamentary secretary also said that the government is in talks to decrease tax on menstruation products.

“These products are a necessity not a luxury,” she said.

Human rights directorate Annalise Desira said that on average a woman bleeds a total of 3,000 days during her life up until menopause.

She said there should be more education surrounding periods so that women feel more supported in the community. Additionally lack of information leads to unhygienic decisions which can result in negative results, she said.