The Ministry of Defence has finally made free sanitary products available in all women's and unisex toilets across the Defence estate, five years after an inquiry highlighted shortages. The rollout brings the MoD into line with other public sector organisations, but the department is facing fresh accusations over the treatment of women in uniform, including a lack of properly-fitted body armour.
Former minister criticises 'sluggish' response
Sarah Atherton, a former defence minister who led the Women in the Armed Forces inquiry, accused the MoD of responding slowly to the needs of servicewomen.
“The Defence Sub-Committee’s report, published in 2021, highlighted the difficulty many servicewomen faced accessing sanitary products during exercises and on operations, where they are most needed. Five years on, the MoD has finally decided to fund sanitary products in all female and unisex Defence toilets. While this brings Defence into line with many other public bodies, it is another example of the MoD being slow to respond to the needs of women in uniform. Menstrual cycles are hardly a new phenomenon, yet the department continues to react only after sustained scrutiny, rather than anticipating and addressing the practical realities of military service from the outset,” she told the Express.
Report revealed 'letting female personnel down'
The 2021 report heard cases of female personnel being forced to use socks or pieces of paper while on tour due to a lack of provisions. It found the MoD was “letting female personnel down” over the supply of sanitary products and ill-suited armour, and revealed a taboo around menstruation in the military.
Around four in 10 female service personnel believed facilities were not appropriate for their needs, according to the findings. Months before the report was published, ministers had announced that tampons and sanitary towels would be supplied to servicewomen deployed abroad.
Women in the Armed Forces: key figures
Women make up around 12% (16,660) of Britain's regular forces, with military chiefs aiming for women to account for 30% of recruits by 2030. The inquiry found that about 84% of female veterans and personnel believed women in the Armed Forces faced additional challenges compared with men, while 64% of female veterans and 58% of serving women reported experiencing bullying, harassment and discrimination. Despite this, nearly nine in 10 surveyed said they would recommend an Armed Forces career.
MoD says it is 'working to improve experiences'
Defence sources said the widened rollout, intended as an emergency measure for those at work, reflects ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive Armed Forces.
An MoD spokesperson said: “We are working to improve the experiences of serving women, so talent is never restricted by unnecessary barriers. Alongside our Arduous Training Guide – which addresses long-standing issues around injury risk, menstrual health, sleep, and equipment fit – free sanitary products are now available across all Defence sites which will ensure women are supported while at work.”
