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How Period Poverty Limits Women and Girls in the U.S. and Worldwide

Period poverty, the inability to access menstrual products and hygiene facilities, is a global issue that affects millions of women and girls, severely limiting their potential. Although menstruation is a natural biological process, it has become a significant barrier for those who lack the resources to manage it safely and hygienically. In both the United States and around the world, period poverty not only affects health and hygiene but also impacts education, employment, and overall well-being, perpetuating gender inequality.

The Scope of Period Poverty

Period poverty is not confined to any one country or region—it is a widespread problem. Globally, over 500 million women and girls are estimated to lack adequate facilities for managing their periods. This includes access to sanitary products, proper sanitation facilities, clean water, and a safe space for changing. In developing nations, these basic necessities are often unavailable or too expensive, forcing women and girls to resort to unsafe alternatives like rags, old clothing, or even leaves.

In more developed countries, such as the United States, period poverty still exists and is more pervasive than many people realize. A 2021 study by BMC Women’s Health revealed that approximately 16% of American women and girls have struggled to afford period products. This issue disproportionately affects low-income households, homeless populations, and students, many of whom miss school or work due to the lack of menstrual products.

Impact on Education

One of the most significant consequences of period poverty is its effect on education. In many parts of the world, girls miss school every month during their periods because they lack the proper materials to manage their menstrual hygiene. UNESCO estimates that 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during her period, which can add up to a significant portion of the school year. Missing school can lead to falling behind in studies, lower academic performance, and ultimately, higher dropout rates.

Even in the United States, students are not immune to this issue. A survey by Thinx and PERIOD. found that 1 in 5 girls has missed school due to period poverty. Without access to pads or tampons, young girls face shame and embarrassment, often feeling they have no choice but to stay home. Over time, these absences can hinder academic progress and diminish future opportunities.

Health and Hygiene Concerns

Lack of access to proper menstrual products not only affects a woman’s ability to go to school or work but also poses significant health risks. Inadequate menstrual hygiene can lead to infections, reproductive health problems, and other serious medical issues. Without clean products, women and girls may reuse unsanitary materials, leading to a higher risk of bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

In addition to physical health, period poverty also has an impact on mental well-being. The stigma surrounding menstruation exacerbates feelings of shame, isolation, and embarrassment. Many girls and women who experience period poverty report feeling humiliated by their situation, further compounding the emotional toll of an already challenging issue.

Economic Barriers and Employment

For women in the workforce, period poverty can be a substantial obstacle to maintaining employment. Without access to menstrual products, some women are forced to miss work, which can lead to reduced earnings or even job loss. In low-income or informal labor sectors, where paid sick leave and healthcare benefits are rare, this loss of income can have devastating consequences for families.

The financial burden of purchasing menstrual products, often referred to as the “tampon tax,” also plays a role in period poverty. In many countries, including parts of the U.S., menstrual products are taxed as non-essential goods, further driving up the cost for those who can least afford them. Advocates have been pushing for the elimination of this tax, arguing that menstruation is a basic biological function and sanitary products should be considered a necessity, not a luxury.

The Role of Policy and Advocacy

Addressing period poverty requires concerted efforts at the policy level, as well as grassroots activism. Some progress has been made in recent years. In the U.S., several states, including California and New York, have passed laws requiring free menstrual products in public schools, while others have eliminated the tampon tax. Internationally, countries like Scotland have taken the lead, becoming the first country to offer free period products to anyone who needs them, following legislation passed in 2020.

Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups are also playing a crucial role in addressing period poverty. Groups such as PERIOD., Days for Girls, and the Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene Collective work to distribute menstrual products, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes. Their efforts have brought much-needed attention to this issue and have begun to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Breaking the Stigma

The stigma surrounding menstruation remains a significant barrier in addressing period poverty. Cultural taboos, myths, and misconceptions about menstruation lead to shame, embarrassment, and silence, making it difficult for women and girls to ask for help. In many parts of the world, menstruating women are considered “unclean,” which reinforces harmful gender norms and limits women’s social participation.

Breaking the stigma is crucial in combating period poverty. Normalizing conversations about menstruation, providing education on menstrual health, and ensuring access to products and sanitation are all vital steps toward empowering women and girls. When we break the silence around periods, we remove a major obstacle that keeps women and girls from reaching their full potential.

Conclusion

Period poverty is a multifaceted issue that affects the health, education, and economic opportunities of women and girls globally. Addressing this problem requires a combination of policy changes, social advocacy, and a commitment to breaking the stigma around menstruation. By ensuring that all women and girls have access to menstrual products and proper hygiene facilities, we can help them reach their full potential, contribute to their communities, and achieve greater gender equality.

The fight against period poverty is not just about providing pads and tampons—it’s about giving women and girls the opportunity to thrive.

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