TACKLING PERIOD POVERTY
Period poverty
A matter of social and climate justice
Period poverty is a pressing global health issue that impacts millions of women and adolescent girls, regardless of their economic circumstances or geographic and cultural context. Every day, nearly 800 million people menstruate - a natural and healthy biological process that is far too often accompanied by stigma and taboo as well as the lack of suitable access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM). For those struggling with the harsh realities of period poverty, the challenges are complex and deeply rooted, affecting not only health and hygiene but also education, economic opportunities, and overall well-being.
The Price of Periods: The Financial Burden of Menstruation
Menstrual products are prohibitively expensive - when accessible - for millions of people worldwide. The costs associated with purchasing such products, as well as related necessities like pain medication and appropriate undergarments, can be simply overwhelming, particularly for those living in economic vulnerability. For instance, in India, 12% of the 355 million people who menstruate are unable to afford basic period products. This disparity is mirrored in developed nations, with 1 in 4 teens and 1 in 3 adults in the United States struggling to afford menstrual supplies, disproportionately impacting low-income households and teens of colour. Equally, in the UK, 3 in 10 girls report difficulties in accessing menstrual products, often overusing a period product or resorting to makeshift solutions like toilet paper, due to financial constraints.
Gender-blind policies and outdated tax laws classify menstrual products as "luxury goods" rather than the basic necessities they are. In Ghana, for instance, these items are subject to the highest tax rates, forcing many women and girls to use unsafe alternatives like rags in place of sanitary products. Equally troubling, in many US states, medications like Viagra are tax-exempt health products, whilst tampons and pads taxed at the same high taxes as luxury items.
The intersection of economic hardship and inadequate menstrual hygiene creates a cycle of vulnerability, showcased in the extreme measures taken when faced with period poverty. A study in Kenya highlighted that some schoolgirls engaged in transactional sex to acquire menstrual products, not only compromising their safety but also significantly increasing their risk of HIV infection.
Barriers to Dignity: The Facility Gap in Menstruation
The consequences of period poverty extend far beyond the financial realm, as it intersects with issues of dignity, safety and educational opportunities. Access to proper sanitation facilities is crucial for managing menstruation effectively. In many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, inadequate infrastructure, both at home and in educational institutions, makes it difficult for women and girls to manage their periods safely and privately.
For many families in rural areas of countries like India, Kenya, and Bangladesh, basic sanitation facilities are either non-existent or inadequate. A considerable number of households lack private toilets, forcing women and girls to shared latrines that offer little privacy and hygiene. This lack of access not only poses health risks but also exacerbates feelings of shame and vulnerability during menstruation.
The situation is equally dire in educational settings. Many schools in developing countries lack basic sanitation facilities, which discourages girls from attending school during their menstrual cycles. A UNICEF report indicated that 1 in 10 adolescent girls in Africa misses school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of adequate sanitation. In some cases, schools may have toilets, but they are often unhygienic or lack privacy, discouraging girls from using them during their periods. This leads to absenteeism, ultimately impacting their education and future opportunities
Breaking the Silence: Educating on Menstruation
The vicious cycle of vulnerability is further exacerbated by the lack of access to proper menstrual health education, perpetuating the stigma and shame that often accompanies menstruation.
In Bangladesh for example, only 32% of girls are informed about menstruation prior to their first cycle, leading to confusion, fear and trauma. Many girls find themselves unprepared for the physical and emotional changes that come with the onset of menstruation, often resorting to unsafe practices due to misinformation and stigma.
Even in developed countries, where sex education is more commonplace, the topic of menstruation is frequently overlooked or not covered in sufficient depth, leaving many young people feeling ill-equipped to manage their periods. A recent survey indicated that 25% of young Canadians do not know the biological causes of menstruation or how to properly care for themselves during this natural bodily process.
This knowledge gap can foster a culture of shame and embarrassment, preventing open and honest discussions about reproductive health. The absence of education about reproductive health can prevent young women from understanding their bodies, leading to a range of potential health issues down the line.
Educating both girls and boys about menstruation not only builds confidence but also promotes social solidarity and healthy habits.
Shattering Myths: The Impact of Stigma and taboos on Menstrual Health
In a patriarchal society, menstruation remains wrapped in stigmas, taboos and misinformation, profoundly impacting the lives of women and girls, influencing their social interactions and adding to the emotional complications many women endure. These stigmas manifest in a myriad of ways, preventing both girls and boys from learning about menstruation and developing healthy habits.
For instance, the lack of accurate comprehensive education about menstruation can lead to harmful misconceptions that cause emotional distress. Many girls grow up feeling embarrassed and isolated, unable to participate in normal childhood activities due to the social stigma surrounding their periods.
In some communities, menstruating women and girls are viewed as dirty or untouchable, restricting their movement and access to public spaces. Practices like "Chhaupadi" in Nepal, where women are forced to isolate themselves in sheds during their periods, not only endanger their physical and mental health, but also reinforce the deep-rooted prejudices that make it so difficult for them to discuss their needs openly.
Even in more developed countries, the stigma persists. Numerous studies report a significant percentage of girls and women feeling ashamed of their periods and having been teased by their peers, family members or colleagues. Although menstruation is more openly discussed , the underlying discomfort and reluctance to engage with the issue remains, perpetuating a culture of secrecy.
These examples illustrate the pervasive nature of menstrual stigma and highlight the urgent need for education, open dialogue and a fundamental shift in societal attitude. By fostering understanding and acceptance, we can empower individuals to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
The Hidden Costs of Menstruation: How Period Poverty Affects Women's Health
Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to physical health complications, which are often overlooked in discussions about women's health. The unaffordability of proper menstrual products lies at the heart of this issue. Estimates suggest that around half of all women and girls globally rely on inadequate and unsafe methods. Forced to resort to makeshift materials like rags, grass, and paper to manage their periods, these individuals face significant health risks, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bacterial vaginosis.
The social implications of period poverty extend beyond physical health. In many cultures, menarche - the onset of menstruation - is viewed as a rite of passage, marking a girl’s transition into womanhood. This perception can lead to harmful practices that further exacerbate the challenges faced by those experiencing period poverty. In some communities, menarche triggers societal pressures that compel families to marry off their daughters prematurely, often leaving them vulnerable to sexual abuse, exploitation, and other forms of gender-based violence.
Far from being a mere inconvenience, period poverty is a significant public health issue that affects the lives of millions of women and girls, and therefore humanity as a whole, worldwide.
Unlocking Potential : Addressing Period Poverty for Education and Economic Impact
The lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene management has a devastating impact on the education and economic opportunities for women and girls globally. Period poverty, along with the stigma surrounding menstruation stops girls from attending school and causes women to miss work, resulting in the loss of lifelong employment opportunities and curbing their ability to fulfil their potential or to contribute equally to society.
In Bangladesh, employees may miss up to 6 days of work each month, due to period related issues, directly reducing their income and negatively impacting their employers' productivity. This common issue goes way beyond Bangladesh borders and isn’t limited to developing countries.
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Another pressing issue associated with period poverty is access to education. Nearly two million girls aged 14-21 in the United Kingdom have missed school because of their period. Similarly, in Africa 1 in 10 girls miss school because of their period when they menstruate, causing them to fall behind boys of their age. In India it is estimated that 23% of young girls drop out of school permanently after menarche.
In the long run, a lack of education can have several devastating impacts on a girl's life when, conversely, studies show that one additional year in school can increase a woman’s lifetime earnings by 10 - 20%. Furthermore, when girls complete secondary school, they tend to marry later and have fewer children. This not only leads to better health outcomes for both mothers and their children but also creates a supportive environment that allows their children to pursue better educational outcomes.
So developing facilities and policies to keep girls at schools and women in the workforce can have a positive impact on their well being, their self esteem but equally their potential to contribute to a healthy economic growth.
Menstrual Waste Management: A Critical Issue in a changing climate
The connection between period poverty and climate justice is often overlooked, yet menstrual hygiene has significant consequences on the environment. It is estimated that over 12 billion single-use products are discarded annually. The widespread use of non-recyclable and non-biodegradable disposable menstrual products poses serious environmental threats.
Disposable menstrual products - pads or tampons and their packaging - are largely made from various plastic derivatives. After use, tampons, applicators, and pads are either flushed down the toilet ending up in the water systems or thrown out as solid waste finding their way to landfills or incinerators to generate energy. Without adequate sanitation facilities and safe disposal mechanisms, the lifecycle of these products exacerbates pollution of water bodies and landfills, resulting in microplastics and other environmental hazards.
This issue is especially pronounced in low - and middle - income countries, the increasing demand for sanitary products - intensified by urbanisation - presents significant challenges for menstrual waste management. Many people resort to harmful disposal methods, such as burning, burying, or flushing these products down toilets. These practices adversely affect air and soil quality, compromise sanitation systems and pose health risks to both the general public and waste management workers.
As climate change triggers more frequent and severe weather events - such as droughts and floods - the challenges of managing menstruation intensify. These events disrupt access to essential resources, including clean water, sanitation facilities, safe disposal methods, and menstrual health management products.
Sustainable Solutions: The Environmental Benefits of Reusable Menstrual Products
Recent sustainable menstruation solutions are putting a significantly lesser burden on the environment, compared to traditional disposable pads and tampons. Organic cotton pads and tampons, while still single-use, are made of organic material and are plastic-free. These organic options are made from natural, biodegradable materials that break down much faster than the synthetic plastics and fibres found in conventional products. This significantly reduces the accumulation of menstrual waste in landfills, where it can take centuries for typical disposable pads and tampons to fully decompose.However, it’s important to note that cotton farming requires substantial water resources, which can lead to other environmental challenges.
The real breakthrough comes from reusable sanitary products such as reusable pads, period underwear and menstrual cups. These are cost-effective options : while the initial investment is higher than that of disposable products, the long-term savings are significant. A set of reusable pads can last several years with proper care, eliminating the need for monthly purchases of disposables.
Reusable products are typically made from natural materials, which are softer and more breathable than the synthetic materials used in disposable options. They are also free from harmful chemicals, toxins, and fragrances, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
Beyond the environmental and personal health benefits, the expansion of reusable sanitary pads also presents an opportunity for economic empowerment, particularly in developing regions. Many companies producing these items employ women under fair trade practices, providing fair wages and safe working conditions. It also creates opportunities for women to establish small businesses, offering their communities healthier and more sustainable alternatives to their usual practice.
However, one significant challenge for individuals using reusable products is the need for access to clean water. The safety and hygiene of these products depend on the user's ability to wash, sterilise and dry them regularly. It is highlighting the critical need for improved infrastructure in many parts of the world to contribute to more sustainable practices.
Legislative Action: Government Initiatives to Combat Period Poverty
Advocacy to end period poverty is showing promising results. Movements primarily driven by individuals, women and girls have been prompting governments around the world to take action. In 2021, Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products free for anyone needing them. The Period Products Bill mandates access to free menstrual products in the bathrooms of all schools, colleges, universities, and public institutions. Mexico and Australia have since taken similar initiatives.
Ideally, period products should be freely available for everyone in all public spaces. Eliminating the so-called "tampon tax," a sales tax on sanitary products is an intermediate step that many governments can afford to take immediately. Both developed and developing nations have successfully abolished this unfair tax, including Canada, Australia, Kenya, India, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Tanzania, Lebanon, Malaysia, Colombia, South Africa, Namibia, and Rwanda.
By actively enacting laws and implementing practical measures to ensure access to safe menstrual hygiene management, which includes affordable sanitary products, clean water, sanitary facilities and menstrual education, governments can prevent health crises for their populations. Furthermore, these actions not only offer women pathways to better employment opportunities but also contribute to addressing the climate crisis, ultimately fostering potential economic growth.
Empowering Women, Protecting the Planet, and Unlocking Economic Potential: WPP’s Practical Actions to Address Period Poverty
At WPP, we recognise the urgent need to address the pressing issue of period poverty and its far-reaching consequences. Major organisations and government bodies propose long-term solutions and implement large projects. The UN Women organisation advocate for the following: “Ending period poverty is possible – and urgent. Period poverty is a policy and budget issue. By making menstrual products free or affordable, ensuring wider access to safe sanitation facilities in schools and workplaces, and changing social norms to reverse stigma, we can put a stop to period poverty.
At WPP, we have chosen a more pragmatic, grassroots approach that empowers local changemakers to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Our strategy is grounded in the belief that amplifying the voices and experiences of these passionate individuals fosters a supportive network where innovative projects are shared, refined and replicated across communities, where meaningful shifts occur. We always prioritise demonstrating the economic viability of our projects, steering clear of moral and cultural debates and instead concentrating on pragmatic, results-oriented actions.
Making sustainable period products accessible and affordable within businesses and communities is at the heart of our efforts. Through our practical support initiatives, we set changemakers up with the resources they need to implement effective solutions tailored to their local contexts. We also facilitate the exchange of valuable insights and best practices among this network of dedicated advocates.
In parallel, for those products to be accepted in the communities, we are creating adaptable educational kits aimed at empowering women with a deeper understanding of their menstrual cycles and hygiene practices. This knowledge not only benefits them but also enables them to educate their daughters and sons, fostering a culture of awareness and support.
Ultimately, our mission at WPP is to amplify the voices of local changemakers, connecting them with the resources and support they need, to help them discover their own voice and create their own transformative narratives. It is through this collaborative, community-driven approach that we believe we can make meaningful and lasting progress in the fight against period poverty and its far-reaching consequences.
If you are inspired by the information shared in this article and are eager to join the movement addressing period poverty, we can discuss common actions and initiatives to make a positive impact. If you have uplifting stories or experiences related to this important issue that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us to explore how we can collaborate and drive change in our communities.