The poll was conducted between January 16 and 25, surveying 1,008 respondents. These data are representative of Latvian residents aged 18-74 who use the Internet at least once a week.
The survey asked residents about whether pads and tampons should be provided free of charge in schools for taxpayers' money.
Free access to such hygiene products for all girls at school is supported by 30 percent of those surveyed, another 25 percent believe they should be available at the nurse's office, and 13 percent said they supported providing pads and tampons for girls from needy or underprivileged backgrounds. 18% of respondents oppose this idea.
Objections to the provision of hygiene products to girls at school were expressed to a similar extent by both men and women.
Meanwhile, there are significant differences of opinion by age group.
The plan to provide all girls is supported most – 55% – by younger people aged 18-29. In this age group, only 6% of respondents are against the idea.
Meanwhile, in the 50-59 age group, 27% of those addressed do not support the idea, followed by the age group 60-74.
There are also some regional differences. The fewest opponents of the idea are in Pierīga (12%), but the most – in Vidzeme (24%) and Latgale (23%).
The survey was carried out shortly after deputies of the Saeima Social and Labor Affairs Commission called on the responsible ministries to agree on a common vision within two months in order to provide free hygiene products to girls and women in educational institutions. More than 12 thousand citizens have expressed support for this idea on the portal “Manabalss.lv” since March last year.
