Every month, approximately 1.8 billion women and girls experience menstruation. UNICEF reports that challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and poverty can make this time challenging and unsafe.
These difficulties and obstacles to proper care are collectively known as “period poverty.” In this article, we will look into the concept of period poverty, providing essential facts and suggesting effective ways to make a difference.
Period poverty occurs when individuals face difficulties accessing menstrual products, adequate sanitation, social support, and education. Despite being a significant public health concern, many people are unaware of the extent of period poverty and how to tackle it.
Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that everyone can manage their menstrual health with dignity and safety.
What is Period Poverty?
According to the National Library of Medicine, period poverty is a global community health crisis that has been neglected in recent times. Period poverty is described as the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and proper education.
A period is a normal part of the menstrual cycle, which is how the body prepares for pregnancy. It happens to girls and women who can become pregnant. Periods usually last between three to seven days and occur every 24 to 38 days.
When girls start experiencing the flow of their menstrual cycle, they face new challenges. They need access to menstrual products like pads or tampons, and they need to learn how to use them.
Without these products or knowledge, periods can be very stressful. They might miss school, work, or other opportunities. Heavy periods, which cause too much bleeding, can also lead to health problems like anaemia and severe pain.
Some communities think periods are unclean, which makes it hard for girls and women to get help or go out in public. The start of menstruation can also make girls more vulnerable to sexual advances, even though they may be as young as seven years old.
At least 500 million girls and women are affected by period poverty, according to the World Health Organization, but it’s hard to know the exact number.
What You Need To Know About Period Poverty.
Period poverty is a widespread global health concern that affects many individuals, yet its nature and scope remain unfamiliar to a significant portion of the population. Here are crucial facts that everyone should be aware of:
Challenges of Menstrual Health in Sub-Saharan Africa Because of Period of Poverty.
In countries like Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda, people face big challenges with their periods. Many people in these places don’t have enough money to buy the things they need to manage their periods well. In 2019, the World Bank said that 35% of the people in these countries were very poor. When people are very poor, it’s hard for them to afford things like sanitary pads.
A study by the BBC found that in Ghana, women who earn the least money spend a lot of their earnings on pads. For example, they might spend $1 out of every $7 they earn just on pads. This is a big difference from people in the United States, where those earning the least money only spend $3 out of every $1,200 on pads.
In short, having a period is even harder for many people in sub-Saharan Africa because they don’t have enough money to buy the things they need to manage it properly.
Also Read: List of Social Injustice Examples
Period Poverty Challenges in the U.S. Prison System
In prison, people face many problems, and one big issue is period poverty. This means that many incarcerated individuals struggle to afford menstrual supplies. In the United States, where a lot of people are in prison, this problem is especially bad.
In prisons, the rights of people are often not respected. They can be hurt physically and mentally, punished for no reason, and not given the medical help they need. The U.S. has the most people in prison, and in its prisons, there is a problem with period poverty. A news story from USA Today says that in one prison, pads cost $2.63, but the jobs there pay as little as 30 cents per hour. This means it’s really hard for people to buy the pads they need.
Because of this, some people try to make their supplies. Others, with no other choice, just bleed through their clothes. For those with heavy periods or health issues, it’s even harder to get the care they need.
Right now, more than 35 states don’t have rules to make sure incarcerated people get what they need for their periods. And in the states that do have rules, they are not always followed properly. This is a big problem that needs attention.
The Impact of Period Poverty on Education
Period poverty has a big effect on the right to education. It mainly affects women and girls, making it hard for them to go to school. Around the world, about 129 million girls are missing out on school, partly because of period poverty.
Studies from the World Bank show that in South Sudan, 57% of girls don’t go to school when they have their periods. In Kenya, 70% of girls say their periods make their grades worse.
Education is very important for a girl’s future. But if her periods stop her from going to school or doing well in class, her future might not be as bright. Some girls might even have to leave school completely, which means they won’t have as many job options in the future. Period poverty makes it harder for girls to get the education they need to succeed.
Period Poverty Can Cause Health Issues
Period poverty is a big problem that can make people sick. When women and girls have their periods, they need special things like pads or tampons.
But sometimes, they can’t get these things because they cost too much or they’re not available. So, they use whatever they can find, like newspapers or old rags.
Using these makeshift supplies can cause serious health problems like infections, which can make them very sick or even kill them. Even if they have reusable pads or cups, it’s hard to keep them clean without things like clean water or electricity.
Period poverty is a serious issue because it affects people’s health. Everyone needs access to menstrual products during their period, so they can stay healthy and safe.
The Mental Health Impact of Period Poverty, Stigma, and Discrimination
Period poverty goes beyond affecting physical well-being; it takes a toll on mental health as well. The challenges of obtaining necessary supplies, coupled with the stigma and discrimination surrounding menstruation, can lead to significant anxiety and depression.
A study highlighted in Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, conducted in Nepal, revealed the alarming consequences of girls being compelled to sleep outdoors or in separate huts during their periods, resulting in severe psychological distress.
Even in areas without such extreme practices, the stigma persists. People experience embarrassment when purchasing supplies, use coded language to discuss periods, and encounter a general lack of education about menstruation.
These factors collectively contribute to the perception that periods are shameful and disgusting. Recognizing the broader impact of period-related challenges on mental health is crucial for fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
Also Read: 10 Negative Stereotype Examples
How We Can All Take Action Against Period Poverty.
Period poverty is a widespread global health issue, affecting hundreds of millions of people. Despite its prevalence, many individuals remain unaware of this problem due to the societal stigma surrounding menstruation.
However, there are practical steps that everyone, regardless of their own menstrual experience, can take to address and combat period poverty. This article explores five simple yet impactful ways to contribute to the cause.
Talking about period poverty is the first step in raising awareness and breaking down societal taboos. Many people shy away from discussing this issue due to the discomfort associated with menstruation.
By initiating conversations within your social network, supporting advocacy organizations, and finding opportunities to speak publicly about period poverty, you can contribute to normalizing the dialogue around this important topic.
Another effective way to make a difference is by supporting organizations specifically dedicated to addressing period poverty. Numerous women’s rights and gender equality organizations focus on this issue, such as the Alliance for Period Supplies, the Pad Project, and Project Dignity. These organizations engage in various activities, including awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and the distribution of menstrual supplies.
Donating funds to these organizations can significantly contribute to their mission of ending period poverty and safeguarding the rights of millions. Additionally, consider contributing menstrual products to local groups, as this direct assistance can address immediate needs within your community.
Understanding the unique challenges related to period poverty in your local community is crucial for effective action. The specific issues surrounding this problem can vary widely, even within different regions of the same country. Conduct research to identify the prevalent obstacles faced by individuals who menstruate in your community.
For example, lack of access to clean water might be a significant barrier in one area, while in another, the focus may be on broader issues like education. Armed with this localized knowledge, you can tailor your efforts to address the specific challenges faced by your community.
Advocating for legislative measures is a powerful way to combat period poverty on a systemic level. Laws addressing gender pay gaps, workplace discrimination, school funding, and the rights of incarcerated individuals can have a profound impact on the battle against period poverty.
Regardless of the legislative process in your country, there are ways to make your voice heard. In representative governments like that of the United States, writing letters to politicians urging action on laws impacting period poverty can be effective. By strengthening legal protections, communities can create lasting improvements in the lives of those affected.
Hosting a fundraiser is a practical and engaging way to raise awareness and funds for the cause. Fundraising events provide an opportunity to connect with local businesses, social justice organizations, and like-minded individuals who share your values.
Depending on the specific needs of your community, you can invite participants to donate both funds and supplies. While financial contributions are crucial for addressing broader issues, collecting menstrual products directly can meet immediate needs in local shelters and food banks. Keeping careful track of donations and informing participants about the impact of their contributions can enhance the effectiveness and transparency of your fundraising efforts.
