A Tauranga mother is doing her part to help combat period poverty in the Bay of Plenty.

Her efforts are a response to recent figures from Otago University researchers which has revealed about one in 16 girls, or 6.3 per cent, get their period while at primary school.

In addition nearly half will have their period by the time they start high school.

Dr Sarah Donovan, from Otago University's Department of Public Health, says children in hardship could be particularly affected.

She says international data shows that globally the age of first periods is decreasing.

'A lack of access to sanitary items is a serious and hidden equity issue which needs to be addressed to support these young girls, particularly those of primary school age.

'It's really a matter of child rights that no girl, of any age, should miss school because her family could not afford menstrual products.”

The research has triggered Tauranga mother, Julie Gilligan to take action, by setting up a crowd funding page to help raise money for period packs to give to young women.

'This is an ultimate solution to ensure every month, young women don't have to worry about their period,” says Julie.

'Girls are missing school every month due to period poverty. Who can blame them, if I was going to possibly end up in an embarrassing situation I know I would have stayed home too.

'These girls must feel helpless especially in large low income families where food, shelter and even petrol will be prioritised over sanitary items.

'I want every girl to be able to get to school and to class, every day, without worrying about her cycle.

'I'd also really like to see a certain number of packs gifted.”

Julie says she is fundraising to be able to purchase at least 50 teenage period packs which will be donated directly to Otumoetai College, Mount College and Papamoa College, among others in the Bay of Plenty.

Each pack includes: one teen menstrual cup, a reusable cloth pad, a reusable panty liner, one strip of five Milton sterilising tabs and a set of instructions.

She says another important part of the fundraising effort is encouraging sustainability when it comes to sanitary items.

'Young people need to start making the shift away from a disposable lifestyle.

'Our lifestyles are polluting the earth and it's not sustainable. We need to move to solutions like menstrual cups or reusable feminine pads which are better for people and better for the planet.”

She says her efforts are individually led.

'At the end of the day I'm just a busy mum who wants to do something to give back.

'A lot of people I know are almost surprised by the topic and the fact I'm bringing attention to it, but at the end of the day there are people at the end of this cause and that's all I am worried about.”

A Givealittle page has been set up by Julie to help combat the issue of period poverty. Donations can be made online here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/help-stop-period-poverty-with-mycup-donations