Starting in January 2026, primary and secondary schools across the Czech Republic will be mandated to provide access to free menstrual products for students in at least half of the schools' bathrooms. This decree follows efforts by politicians, non-profit organizations, and activist groups to combat period poverty and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Although this recent measure to increase access to free menstrual products has been met with controversy, surveys have indicated that the Czech population generally favors making menstrual products freely available in schools. The Czech Republic, as a result of this decree, joins other European countries who have passed similar measures in recent years.
Compiled from: Jules Eisenchteter, "ONE TAMPON AT A TIME, CZECHIA MOVES TO BREAK CYCLE OF PERIOD POVERTY," Balkan Insight, Dec. 29, 2025.