Whether in the UK, or the furthest point in South America, period poverty is a global issue that affects millions of young women - often exacerbated by a cloud of stigma and taboo. Although a normal biological phenomenon, a woman’s menstrual cycle is all too often followed by myths and misconceptions, fictionalised by the power of masculinity. The consequence of such stigma is that girls and women are facing preventable deprivation from fundamental spheres and their health and wellbeing are endangered. This only furthers gender inequality.

WHAT IS PERIOD POVERTY?

Period poverty is not only the lack of access to sanitary products due to financial implications. It is also a lack of education about women’s menstruation and safe and hygienic sanitation services, which would provide young women with a place to manage their periods. It is unimaginable that young women still suffer shame, taunts, and denial over “mother nature" and the products necessary to support them through their monthly cycles. Yet countries in both the Global North and South are experiencing exceptionally high statistics of girls and women in a slumber of period poverty.

A GLOBAL ISSUE

More than half the world’s population have no or limited access to clean sanitation, and at least 500 million girls and young women do not have a safe place to deal with their periods. It is also estimated that 1 in 10 girls in the UK, 50 percent of girls in Kenya, and 12 percent of menstruating females in India cannot afford sanitary products. The lack of resources and services readily available to females is of increasing concern. Many women will at some stage in their life sacrifice school, work, and socialisation because of their periods which will disproportionately affect their life chances. All these young women are living in period poverty - a concept which is made worse by stigma and financial difficulties.

PERIOD TABOO

Stigma surrounding periods is driven by religion and culture. Young women are labelled as “impure” or “dirty”; arbitrarily denied access to places of worship; and unable to bathe or cook because of the horror and impurity of the period. Because of these cultural attitudes, many women around the world are also denied access to sanitary products or services. This results in an absence of period education, which can result in unsafe management methods and an escalation in fear and negative self-image and doubt. A period for many young women is a silenced affair.

THE TRUE COST OF A PERIOD

The monthly cost of a period adds up: tampons, pads, underwear, and pain relief, and it is unrealistic for many to meet these costs and access the necessary products. The cost of a monthly visit from “Aunt Flo” can also be life threatening when considering the financial implications. Young women are more likely to bleed through, use dirty and toxic materials, or even prolong the use of sanitary products which can result in infections and in some cases, sepsis.

Despite the risks involved, many are left with no choice but to opt for these methods. In Malawi, sanitary products cost more than a day’s work, often meaning women are faced with very little choice - to sacrifice other daily essentials such as food or to sacrifice a daily wage by missing work. Either way, the cost is painful.

Menstruation also costs young women their education, career and livelihoods. Periods should not halt an individual’s life, but the harsh reality is that females on all continents are being left behind. It is reported that girls will often miss one or more days of school because of their periods, with girls in Africa missing as much as 20 percent of their education. Girls choose to stay at home during these times due to a combination of factors: unsupportive environments; inadequate facilities; insufficient materials; and avoidance of humiliation and taunts for potential leaks.  Consequently, period poverty is hindering the prosperity of many young women globally. Without a full education, the gender gap only widens which limits career paths and denies safe and happy livelihoods, with girls often being married off as soon as they start menstruating as their only supposed purpose from then on is to provide a family.

PERIOD POVERTY PREVENTION

The inequality and injustice that young women face with period poverty is being highlighted by activists such as Amika George, and a number of non-profit organisations (NGOs) that seek to provide young women with free sanitary products on a global scale. In 2020, Scotland was the first country to introduce free access to sanitary products in schools - closely followed by England, whose initiative is to deliver free products to schools and other organisations. However, there is still work to be done. At least 50 percent of schools are yet to sign up to the new government scheme.

By advocating for free sanitary products and menstrual education, NGOs and activists are ensuring women’s biological processes will no longer hinder their education and future prospects - contributing to the fight for gender equality.

Tamara Hume is an aspiring Human Rights Advocate and writer. She graduated from the Open University with a 2:1 in Criminology and Psychological studies. Currently, she is studying for an MA in Human Rights and Global Ethics at University of Leicester, with an interest in gender equality, racial discrimination focusing on racial profiling and mental health.

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