Hon. Marie Louise Milne, the only woman in Parliament, has strongly spoken out against the Shefa Provincial Government by-law that stops women from selling food when they have their period. She says the rule is an attack on women’s dignity, rights, and their ability to earn a living.
Women Are the Backbone of Shefa’s Economy, Parliament Told
Hon. Milne spoke passionately in Parliament, stating:
“Women are the backbone of our markets, communities, households and economy. They are the ones who raise our children. They are the ones who raise leaders that are in this honourable house today. They are the ones who cook our food. They are the ones who run small businesses. They are the ones who support culture and community. They are the ones who pay for school fees.”
She warned that laws affecting women must not shame them:
“Menstruation is a natural biological function, not a threat to food safety, not an infection, Mr. Speaker. Every woman of reproductive age experiences it.”
Unsafe Food Has Nothing to Do With Menstruation
Hon. Milne highlighted the real causes of unsafe food:
- Expired or poorly labelled products
- Improper refrigeration
- Dirty surfaces or environments
- Lack of washing and hygiene facilities
- Pest infestations
- Vendors without hygiene training
“None of these issues are related to menstruation, Mr. Speaker,” she emphasized.
Custom vs. Law: Discrimination is Not Culture
“Yes, we respect custom,” Hon. Milne said. “Customs apply within communities that understand and accept it. The bylaws of the local government must protect all women, men and citizens equally. The Shefa bylaw is not custom. It is a regulation that must comply with the law and uphold the rights and dignity of all women.”
She warned against using culture to justify discrimination:
“Respecting custom is good, but using custom to justify discrimination is wrong.”
Economic Impact: Mothers, Widows, Single Women at Risk
Hon. Milne detailed the devastating effects of the bylaw:
“Women across Shefa province include mothers selling food to support their households, widows surviving through daily foods, single mothers paying school fees, women in settlement living day to day, rural women who travel to Port Vila markets. If women are forbidden to sell food on certain days, they will lose part of their monthly income, struggle to pay school fees, struggle to afford electricity, water, food, transport, medical costs.”
She stressed that the bylaw must be corrected to allow women to continue their businesses safely and with respect.
Call to Action: Parliament Must Protect Women
Hon. Milne urged Parliament and the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs to take decisive action:
“Review or amend the Shefa Bylaw to protect women and girls, implement nationwide hygiene training for all food vendors, improve access to sanitary products so women can work safely, comfortably and with dignity, launch a national campaign to eliminate menstrual stigma, continue government education on healthy eating, food safety and proper storage.”
“Women are the heart of our families, our economy, our communities, and our nation’s future. Without women, there is no future. Parliament must show leadership. This Honorable Chamber must defend dignity, defend equality and defend the rights of women and girls.”
REFERENCE: Sheffa Provincial Government Food By-Law – Section 3
b) This by-law recognizes the local custom of “UNCLEAN HANDS”. It is forbidden for women during their menstruation to operate at food stalls and road markets. Neither should they prepare food to be sold during this period.
