“It’s not just about pads; it’s about respect.” That was the resounding message from women’s rights advocates after a senior opposition politician dismissed a government initiative to combat period poverty as beneath the nation’s dignity.
The government’s move to allocate $250 000 to the Ministry of Education to provide sanitary napkins in schools was hailed by many as a groundbreaking step toward solving a real problem that forces countless girls to miss school every month simply because they can’t afford menstrual products.
At a recent United Workers Party (UWP) event, the party’s deputy leader Guy Joseph described the measure as disgraceful, suggesting the country had “sunk below the line.”
He questioned the motives behind the initiative and raised concerns about privacy and oversight, especially as the Ministry of Education is led by a male minister.
The reaction from women across the island was swift and scathing.
Jessica St Rose, a vocal women’s and LGBTQIA+ advocate, wrote: “Are you even cognisant of the reality that hundreds of young girls within your constituency face monthly challenges affording sanitary napkins, thus causing them to miss out on their education? You are NOT a woman; therefore, how dare you? This is not the type of representation we need in this country.”
Rhyesa Joseph, who has worked closely with youth programmes, called the remarks “a bleeding shame” and condemned the silence from other UWP officials.
“These comments follow a pattern…. This is not representation befitting anyone. Period poverty is a national and global issue.”
Some also questioned the women present during his speech.
Sanue Joseph, the founder of women’s empowerment group Where Ladies Talk, didn’t mince her words: “This is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in achieving gender equality. The silence of the women present is troubling. Providing free menstrual pads is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We must demand accountability from those in positions of power.”
She also described the moment as a “wake-up call” about how gender issues are approached in national discourse.
“This is about ensuring that no girl has to choose between her education and managing her period,” she said. “That is what’s at stake here.”
Even professionals in the private sector weighed in. Randy Francis, a media executive, shared that the global company he works for stocks sanitary products in every restroom on all 12 floors of their building. “And not because the women there can’t afford it, but because no one should ever be caught unprepared or uncomfortable. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.”
However, Joseph’s supporters sought to defend his words as a critique of government spending priorities or cost-of-living policies. Others noted that while it’s fair to discuss longer-term solutions, such as removing taxes on menstrual products or lowering the cost of living, the immediate needs of schoolgirls today cannot wait.
Joseph has not issued a follow-up statement since the reactions emerged.
On behalf of real Men….i.e men who are not ashamed to go an buy “pads” for their daughters (Guy said mothers buying pads as if men dont do it too) and spouse…men who understand the struggles of women and young girls…men who respect women to the max…men who literally have “balls’ to speak up against Guy as it relates to this matter……WE APLOGIZE ON THIS EVE OF MOTHER’s DAY!!!!
Those offended by Guy’s comments missed the mark with their misdirected anger. All the gentleman was saying in effect is that the term period poverty is not the most flattering of terms and that a more humane or dignified term can be used to describe the economic condition faced by females who can not afford these products. Let’s think before we jump.
This is just another case in the never-ending saga expected from the duopoly in St. Lucia: “Politician open mout; stupidity & lies fly out!”
I am neither UWP nor SLP – but Mr. Guy needs to further his education and learn how to speak and communicate effectively. As a St. Lucian living abroad, it would be extremely embarrassing for such a character to represent any party in St. Lucia – wow wow wow wow
You all voices are not loud at all with all these murders especially that of young women but Guy made a statement and you all want to take him on.