Caption: From left – Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Dominic Smith, Minister of Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen, Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Ravi Ratiram at the Red House to hear the 2025/26 Budget presentation by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. AZP News/Alicia Chamely
MINISTER of Finance Davendranath Tancoo says a women’s health fund will be established to deal with period poverty.
He made the announcement in the 2026 Budget in the Lower House on Monday.
He said, “Period poverty continues to undermine the health and educational opportunities of many women and girls in Trinidad and Tobago. Women and girls impacted by Period Poverty struggle to afford menstrual hygiene products.”
The fund will be established through collaboration of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services, he said.
A seed capital of $5 million will be provided by the Government and partnerships with stakeholders will be established to sustain the fund.
He said that the fund aims to start a pilot programme that provides free menstrual kits to educational institutions.
Tancoo said men and boys will receive education on menstrual health to promote inclusivity and reduce stigma.
He said a tax incentive will be issued for citizens and organizations to provide contributions and this initiative will begin in January 2026.
