Period poverty is a significant issue that affects millions of women around the world. It occurs when women and girls do not have access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, or adequate sanitation facilities. Period poverty is a silent struggle that can lead to shame, embarrassment, and stress for women and girls. It is a problem that has far-reaching consequences, impacting the health, education, and economic opportunities of women.
The stigma surrounding menstruation is a significant contributor to period poverty. Many cultures view menstruation as shameful and taboo, causing women to feel ashamed and embarrassed about their periods. Women and girls are often forced to use unsanitary materials like rags, leaves, or newspaper during their menstrual cycle. The lack of access to affordable sanitary products, such as tampons or pads, can also lead to women and girls missing school or work, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
The impact of period poverty on women’s lives is profound. Inadequate menstrual hygiene management can lead to infections, reproductive health problems, and even death. Women and girls who cannot manage their periods are also at risk of dropping out of school or being forced into early marriage. These factors can limit their economic and social opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
The issue of period poverty is not confined to developing countries. It’s a problem that affects women and girls in developed countries as well. In the United States, for instance, one in five girls has missed school because they didn’t have access to menstrual products. Many women and girls in the US also struggle to afford sanitary products, with some turning to food banks or other charities for assistance.
Ending period poverty is a critical step towards achieving gender equality and promoting women’s health and well-being. Here are some suggestions on how we can end period poverty:
- Increase access to affordable sanitary products: Governments and NGOs can work together to provide affordable sanitary products to women and girls in need. This can be done by subsidizing the cost of sanitary products or providing them for free.
- Promote menstrual hygiene education: Education is key to breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and promoting proper menstrual hygiene management. Governments and NGOs can work together to provide menstrual hygiene education in schools and communities.
- Improve sanitation facilities: Access to clean and private sanitation facilities is essential for proper menstrual hygiene management. Governments and NGOs can work together to improve sanitation facilities in schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Provide menstrual products in public spaces: Public spaces such as libraries, community centers, and schools can provide menstrual products for free or at a low cost. This can help ensure that women and girls have access to sanitary products when they need them.
- Encourage businesses to get involved: Businesses can play a crucial role in ending period poverty. They can provide financial support to organizations working to end period poverty, donate sanitary products, or provide access to menstrual products in their workplaces.
Reasons Businesses Should Assist with Ending Period Poverty
Assisting with ending period poverty is not only a moral obligation but also a smart business decision. Here are some reasons why businesses should get involved:
- Promoting gender equality: Businesses that support ending period poverty are promoting gender equality and aligning themselves with a socially responsible cause.
- Improving employee morale: Providing access to menstrual products in the workplace can improve employee morale and create a more inclusive workplace culture.
- Supporting the community: Businesses that support ending period poverty are supporting their local communities and contributing to the well-being of their customers.
- Helping to break the cycle of poverty: By assisting with ending period poverty, businesses are helping to break the cycle of poverty for women and girls. This can have far-reaching positive impacts on society as a whole.
- Creating new market opportunities: Businesses that provide affordable menstrual products or develop innovative menstrual products can create new market opportunities.
For more information on how period poverty affects women in the UK, and how you can support those in need, click here.
