She Strengthens

Breaking Down the Financial Barriers of Menstruation

The Hidden Cost of Being a Woman

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to shed light on the often-overlooked financial struggles that women face. One of the most significant yet taboo topics is the economic burden of menstruation. Despite being a natural process, menstruation can lead to financial distress for many individuals, particularly low-income women.

The Price of Periods

Menstruation products, including pads, tampons, period panties, and menstrual cups, come with a hefty price tag. According to Groundswell, the average woman spends around $120 per year on these essential items, adding up to a staggering $5,600 over her lifetime. For those living below the poverty line, affording these products is a significant challenge. In fact, one in eight women in the United States struggles to access menstrual products.

Reusable Options: A Safer and More Affordable Alternative

Reusable products like menstrual cups and period panties offer a more sustainable solution. Although they come with a higher upfront cost, they can save money in the long run. Additionally, menstrual cups provide a safer alternative to tampons, eliminating the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Taxation: An Unfair Burden

To make matters worse, feminine hygiene products are often taxed as “luxury items” in some places. This means that women are forced to pay sales tax on essential products, further exacerbating the financial strain.

Access: A Global Issue

Globally, only 12% of young people with periods have access to the products they need. In the United States, 50,000 homeless women lack proper access to menstrual hygiene, and incarcerated women face similar challenges. New York has taken a step in the right direction by requiring free tampons and sanitary pads in correctional facilities, public schools, and homeless shelters.

Safety Concerns

Menstrual products can pose health risks, including toxic shock syndrome and exposure to unknown chemicals. The lack of transparency from companies regarding product ingredients only adds to the concern. Furthermore, the reuse of unsanitary products can lead to infections and disease, resulting in additional medical expenses.

The Impact on Education

Menstruation negatively affects educational access worldwide. In Sierra Leone, 20% of girls miss school during their periods, while in Nepal and Afghanistan, 30% do. In India, almost 25% of girls drop out of school when they start menstruating. This not only affects the individual but also has broader implications for communities and economies.

Breaking the Taboo

So, what can we do to address this issue? First, we need to acknowledge that menstruation is a natural process that requires access to essential products. We must work towards making these products available to all, for free. Additionally, we need to create safer, reusable options and break the taboo surrounding menstruation.

Taking Action

Individuals can make a difference by donating products to local women’s shelters, VA hospitals, and prisons. You can also support organizations working to provide products and end the stigma. Watch the award-winning documentary “Period. End of Sentence.” on Netflix to learn more about the fight against menstrual stigma in India.

Organizations to Support

• Helping Women Period
• Support the Girls
• #HappyPeriod
• Days For Girls
• Period. Pads 4 Girls
• N Street Village
• Thrive DC

More Safe Products

• Lola
• Cora
• Sustain
• Maggie

By acknowledging the financial burden of menstruation and working together to address it, we can create a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.