Incheon City to Support Menstrual Products for Female Adolescents Starting Next Year... Age Range to Expand Until 2025

Support Target for Low-Income Groups Expanded to Ages 9 to 24

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City will support the cost of purchasing menstrual products for all female adolescents regardless of income level starting next year.

The city announced on the 23rd that it plans to gradually provide support for the cost of purchasing menstrual products to female adolescents aged 11 to 18 who are registered residents and living in Incheon by 2025.

Until now, support has been provided only to low-income female adolescents aged 11 to 18.

The support amount is 12,000 KRW per month and will be paid via the local currency Incheon e-eum card. Initially, in the first half of next year, the program will be implemented for 10,875 female adolescents born in 2004 who are 18 years old.

Then, in 2023, the support target will expand to females aged 17 to 18, in 2024 to those aged 15 to 18, and from 2025 onwards to those aged 11 to 18. It is expected that by 2025, the number of beneficiaries will reach approximately 96,000, with the budget shared equally between the city and the districts/counties.

Meanwhile, the national government-funded project supporting menstrual products for low-income female adolescents will also expand its target age range from 11-18 to 9-24 years old starting next year (supporting 8 months from May).

Eligible recipients will receive 12,000 KRW per month per person through electronic vouchers via the National Happiness Card.

An official from Incheon City stated, "Menstrual pads are an issue that affects the health rights and human rights of female adolescents and should not be restricted based on economic circumstances," adding, "We will prepare to implement the program immediately once the operational foundation, including the payment method, is established."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.