Unsanitary and unaffordable menstruation for women in various parts of the world due to lack of access to menstrual products and facilities.
In many parts of the world, including the United States, period poverty continues to be a significant issue for individuals who menstruate. This problem, which involves social, economic, political, and cultural barriers to menstrual products, education, and sanitation, affects millions of people, particularly those with low incomes.
Recent research indicates that almost two-thirds of women in the U.S. with a low income could not afford menstrual products in the last year, while nearly half sometimes had to choose between buying food or menstrual products. These challenges are not unique to the U.S., as countries like Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria have a significant percentage of menstruators who do not use sanitary pads due to poverty.
Period poverty can have profound effects on a person's life. In low-income countries, particularly in parts of the Global South, people may experience period poverty due to a lack of facilities for menstrual hygiene. This can lead to absenteeism from school and work, as well as feelings of embarrassment or shame about one's period.
In the United States, efforts to combat period poverty are multifaceted. Legislation and policy are key components of these strategies. Many states have enacted policies since 2017 aimed at improving menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) in schools, potentially benefiting about 9 million K-12 students by providing free menstrual products and education.
Community-driven distribution programs also play a crucial role. These programs supply period kits to those in need, often through volunteer efforts and donations. Corporate and nonprofit partnerships are another important aspect, with companies like o.b. Tampons donating both menstrual products and funds to fight period poverty.
Public awareness events, such as Period Poverty Awareness Week, promote education, visibility, and community involvement around this issue. These events aim to reduce stigma and mobilize support.
In addition to these efforts in the U.S., worldwide strategies often mirror these approaches with added emphasis on sustainable menstrual products, integration into health education curricula, and international aid programs to improve access in low-resource settings.
Addressing period poverty is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. National advocacy, increased education and knowledge sharing, the private sector's involvement, evidence-informed charitable programs, further research, and legislation are all crucial components in the fight against period poverty.
The ultimate goal of these efforts is to ensure that nobody misses school, work, or daily life due to lack of menstrual products. By addressing period poverty, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life, free from the stigma and barriers associated with menstruation.
- Lack of menstrual hygiene products due to period poverty can lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame, especially in low-income countries where facilities for menstrual hygiene might be scarce.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and women's health, comprehensive strategies focusing on legislation, education, community-driven distribution programs, corporate partnerships, public awareness events, and international aid are essential for combating period poverty.
- The science of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is becoming increasingly important, with strategies for integration into health education curricula and the development of sustainable menstrual products being emphasized to improve access and address period poverty across the world.
