Understanding Period Poverty: A Global Menstrual Equity Crisis.
Period poverty is a pressing global issue that affects millions of women and girls who struggle to access safe and hygienic menstrual products. It also encompasses the indignity associated with managing menstruation when confronted with community stigma and limitations. Period poverty goes beyond the simple absence of menstrual products; it often results in the prolonged use of the same tampons or pads, which can lead to serious health risks.
The Global Impact of Period Poverty
Educational Disadvantage: One of the most significant consequences of period poverty is its impact on education. Across the world, girls frequently miss one or more days of school during their periods, disrupting their learning. In Sub-Saharan Africa, some girls miss up to 20% of the school year, and some may even drop out of school entirely.
Health Risks: Forcing individuals to use unclean materials, such as dirty rags, poses severe health risks and can lead to infections. These risks are even greater if the individual has undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), which makes them more susceptible to infections and complications.
Stigma and Fear: Due to societal stigma, many women and girls experience persistent shame and fear during their periods. In some cases, they face social sanctions or are isolated, such as the practice of 'chhaupadi' in Nepal.
Period Poverty in the UK:
The issue isn't limited to developing countries; it's a concern in developed nations like the UK. According to Plan International's 2017 report, 48% of girls aged 14-21 in the UK were embarrassed by their periods. The impact of this shame is substantial. Fourteen percent of girls admitted they didn't understand what was happening when they started their periods, and 26% didn't know what to do. A staggering 78% of girls didn't feel comfortable discussing their periods with their teachers. This results in feelings of shame and embarrassment and can lead to school absenteeism.
Period Poverty in the US:
The problem persists in the US, where nearly 22 million women living in poverty cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, a situation known as period poverty. A study in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 64% of women reported difficulty affording menstrual products, with 21% unable to afford them monthly. Those who are homeless or incarcerated are at a particularly high risk of lacking access to adequate menstrual hygiene products.
Solutions to Period Poverty
Eliminating the Tax: Just as food, a necessity, isn't taxed, menstrual products should not be either. Eliminating the tax on menstrual products would make them more affordable for all.
Subsidising Reusable Products: Reusable products like menstrual cups or underwear should be subsidised, encouraging their use and reducing waste from individually wrapped pads and tampons.
Free Distribution: Menstrual products, including pads and tampons, should be available free of charge in schools and federal buildings. Making these products widely available can significantly ease the burden of period poverty.
Scotland Sets a Precedent
Scotland has set an inspiring example by becoming the first country in the world to provide free period products for all. The Period Products Act mandates local authorities to offer free items such as tampons and sanitary pads to anyone who needs them, ensuring that no one is held back by period poverty. These products will be distributed through councils and educational institutions, marking a significant step towards achieving menstrual equity.
Period poverty is not an insurmountable challenge. By implementing these solutions and raising awareness about this issue, we can work collectively to eliminate the barriers that millions of women and girls face in managing their periods with dignity and without limitations.
