She Strengthens

Breaking the Silence: The Unspoken Reality of Period Poverty

When our menstrual cycles arrive each month, many of us reach for a pad, tampon, or menstrual disc without a second thought. However, for millions of individuals worldwide, the lack of access to these essential products can disrupt their health, education, and even ability to work. Period poverty, a term often whispered in hushed tones, affects people from all walks of life, including those in developed countries like the United States.

What is Period Poverty?

Period poverty refers to the inability to access menstrual products, sanitation, and other hygiene resources necessary for managing one’s period. This can include functioning toilets, laundry facilities, and access to clean water. According to Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, a board-certified OB-GYN, period poverty stems from income disparities and lack of access to essential resources.

The Alarming Statistics

Globally, approximately 500 million individuals who menstruate lack access to period products and related hygiene resources. In the United States, about 16.9 million people with periods live in poverty. A 2021 survey by U by Kotex found that over 40% of surveyed American adults who menstruate struggled to access period products at some point, with Black and Hispanic individuals disproportionately affected.

The Financial Burden

The cost of menstruation can be staggering. On average, a menstruating individual spends $13.25 each month on period products, equivalent to $6,360 over their lifetime. Many states also tax menstrual products, ranging from 4.7 to 9.9%. A 2021 Statista survey found that 16% of teens reported having to choose between buying period products and food or clothes.

The Health Consequences

Period poverty can have severe health consequences, including:

• Higher risk of infection: Without access to products like pads, cups, or tampons, people may use alternative materials, increasing the risk of infections and skin irritation.
• Declining mental health: Folks facing period poverty often report feelings of shame, embarrassment, and guilt, which can lead to depression and anxiety.

Breaking the Cycle

To combat period poverty, several organizations and initiatives are working to provide free products to those in need and encourage governments to create legislation for free provisions in places such as schools. Some states have already passed their own laws to offer this or have ended taxes on menstrual products.

How You Can Help

Even if period poverty isn’t something you face personally, you can make a difference by:

• Ending the stigma: Discussing period poverty with your friends, family, and community can help ensure the topic isn’t taboo.
• Contacting your government leaders: Reach out to local and state lawmakers about addressing period poverty in your community.
• Joining an organization: Work with organizations like PERIOD or The Pad Project to provide menstrual supplies to those in need.
• Donating your time and period products: Food banks and local shelters often provide period products and require supplies.

A Solvable Problem

Period poverty is a solvable problem. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the essential products they need to manage their periods with dignity. As Michaela Bedard, executive director of PERIOD, notes, “This is a very solvable problem. We know the solutions to it, so it really feels winnable.”