Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and resources. Though menstruating is part of human nature, menstrual products are still treated as luxuries, not necessities. 5 of 8 people who menstruate do not have access to sanitary products. This is not just a social issue, but also a multifaceted economic challenge that many countries are still grappling with. Period poverty can perpetuate inequality, hinder countries’ economic progress and its prevention through government interventions and appropriate subsidies can help break the cycle of economic disadvantage for individuals who menstruate.
Education and Workforce Participation
Period poverty directly impacts educational attainment and workforce participation. In Botswana, girls were missing out on school when menstruating as their parents were unable to afford sanitary products for them. According to UNESCO, one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their period while others lose 20 percent of their education making them more likely to drop out of school. This had a detrimental effect on their academic performance, further exacerbating economic disparities as they drop out of school and work at a low-skilled job. Without sanitary products, individuals may miss work as well, leading to a loss of workforce productivity.
The figure above shows the period poverty cycle, showing how a lack of access to sanitary products eventually leads to a lower socioeconomic status of women in society.
Financial Strains
In areas like Kenya, where a packet of sanitary pads costs $1, and the average family has to manage on less than that per day, access to sanitary products is near-impossible for individuals. The financial burden of purchasing menstrual products creates significant strain, particularly for individuals from low-income backgrounds. Limited financial resources may force individuals to choose between buying essential hygiene products or meeting other basic needs, such as food or housing. This financial strain perpetuates economic inequality and prevents individuals from investing in their own well-being, such as paying for their education. Moreover, girls may have to travel to towns from remote rural areas to buy sanitary products. This is extremely inaccessible and transportation costs also factor into the cost of buying these products.
Developed countries such as the United States also struggle with this issue. Nearly 14% of college girls said they struggled to afford period products. A review of correctional facilities in New York found that 54% of women in the facility said that they did not have enough sanitary napkins (pads) each month.
Healthcare costs and mental well-being
The inaccessibility of sanitary products forces girls in the slums of Nairobi to resort to measures such as sharing used pads and tailor their own pads through scraps of fabric. As a result, 12% of the population of the slum has HIV. Increased health risks and the widespread risk of diseases such as HIV can be extremely detrimental. The healthcare costs are further exacerbated as health complications further strain limited financial resources, perpetuating the cycle of economic disadvantage.
The stigma behind getting one’s period is still extremely real in many countries, including developed countries like the US. Individuals face extreme stress while coping with their periods and trying to manage it hygienically. About 49.4% of women experiencing period poverty had depressive symptoms. The stress, shame and anxiety associated with the lack of access to products takes a toll on individuals.
Addressing period poverty
Ensuring affordable and accessible menstrual products through subsidies and reduced taxation is a must.
This is not just a struggle in less developed countries, as developed countries such as France have arranged for the provision of free sanitary products in all schools. Increasing distribution channels so that individuals in rural areas are able to access period products is extremely important as well.
Advocating for policy reforms that recognize menstrual products as essential items and promoting workplace policies that accommodate menstrual needs are vital. Paid menstrual leave, access to clean facilities, and supportive workplace environments can improve workforce participation and reduce economic inequalities.
Collaborative efforts involving governments, NGOs, businesses, and community organisations are essential to address period poverty comprehensively. Partnerships can pool resources, expertise, and networks to implement sustainable solutions and drive systemic change. The Global Girls Initiative is an organisation which provides free menstrual hygiene products & education to students & youth in underserved communities to end period poverty. They have created and branded their own cost effective menstrual hygiene dispenser, and advocated and supported to get the HB389 passed, which will allow all Florida public schools to have access to free menstrual hygiene products. You can check out their page on Instagram @global.gi .
To end off, period poverty is not just a social issue; it is an economic barrier that perpetuates inequality and limits economic progress. By recognizing the economic implications of period poverty and implementing comprehensive solutions, societies can break the cycle of disadvantage, promote economic inclusion, and foster a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Investing in menstrual equity is not only a matter of human rights but also an economic imperative that benefits individuals, communities, and economies at large.
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