INTRODUCTION TO PERIOD POVERTY

What is period poverty and why do so many people suffer from it? Period poverty, or menstrual poverty, is an economic and social problem that restricts the teaching of menstruation and the free use of menstrual products. Period poverty has all kinds of negative effects on women across the world. It causes women to feel embarrassed and ashamed of their menstrual cycles and some women are not able to go to work or schools due to lack of products they cannot afford. Not only that but it also affects the hygiene and health of women who use anything they can find rather than the products necessary for their well-being. The people who use toilet paper and spare clothes instead of pads and tampons risk getting infections like bacterial vaginosis. Period poverty prohibits some women from attending work or school as well. This can cause harm to the economy of the community and the economy of their families. 

The cause for period poverty stems from the stigma surrounding menstrual cycles. Many cultures consider periods to be impure or dirty in some way. This shame stops people from conversing, and that prevents the education of menstruation which is necessary in breaking the stigma. This cycle will not break until periods are openly spoken about without the stereotypes and fear. Have you heard about the ‘pink tax’? The ‘pink tax’ refers to the common practice of overpricing feminine products such as women’s razors and shaving cream. This tax also pertains to pads and tampons which are necessary hygiene products. 

Menstrual health and period poverty are global issues that affect everyone. Approximately, 2.3 billion people around the world do not have proper access to sanitization centers. According to Unicef, merely 27% of the developing countries can properly clean themselves at home. Many disabled women have no way of finding the proper facilities for period products in certain areas. Though these statistics do not seem promising for the future there are still ways we can help. Talking to other women about their issues and if you are a woman speaking to your female family members about their struggles and sharing some of your own can be incredibly helpful. Petitioning the government and helping or donating to charities are some other ways to aid women. One very important way to assist in this journey is to research, read books and articles to educate yourself. It does not matter whether you have periods or not, you are a global citizen who is obligated to help your hurting siblings all over the world.