Incheon City to Provide Menstrual Products to All Female Adolescents by 2025

Stepwise Expansion Starting from 18-Year-Olds in April This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City will support the purchase cost of menstrual products for all female adolescents by 2025.

According to the city on the 1st, starting this year with female adolescents aged 18 (born in 2004), the support target will be expanded each year to include those aged 17-18 in 2023, 15-18 in 2024, and 11-18 in 2025, providing benefits to all female adolescents.

Until now, the purchase cost of menstrual products has only been supported for low-income female adolescents aged 11-18 (expanded to 9-24 years old from May) through national subsidies.

In 2025, the number of beneficiaries is expected to reach about 96,000, and the support budget will be shared equally between the city and the districts/counties.

From April, female adolescents aged 18 will receive 12,000 KRW monthly through the 'Incheon e-eum Card' (exclusive for female adolescents) to purchase menstrual products.

However, this support cannot be received concurrently with the health hygiene product support fund provided by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family for low-income groups.

The application period is from April 1 to 15, and applications can be submitted online via the 'Incheon e-eum' application or by visiting the local town, township, or neighborhood community service centers.

An official from Incheon City stated, "Menstrual products directly affect the health rights and human rights of female adolescents, and their use should not be restricted due to economic circumstances," adding, "We hope female adolescents can live healthy lives without worrying about menstrual products."

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