When it gets to that time of the month, being on your period can be a huge hassle. Periods bring mood swings, stomach cramps, stress, general discomfort, and the list goes on!
For some, they have to worry about more than just period cramps and irritability.
Period poverty, which essentially means that someone is unable to afford necessary products for menstrual health, is a huge problem around the world. People can achieve menstrual health by reaching their fullest potential for mental, physical, and social health while menstruating.
Some people who have menstrual cycles are unable to achieve menstrual health because they are unable to afford adequate products or resources necessary to be comfortable during their period.
This especially affects college students because they may be unable to attend classes or work due to lack of period resources. According to a study done by the BMC Women’s Health, 14% of college women are considered to be in period poverty, and that is not even considering other college students not identifying as women who have menstrual cycles.
This statistic is unfortunate and proves that period poverty is an issue that deserves more attention. There are several ways that we can contribute to solving this problem and helping out college students in need of menstrual products.
- Buy products from brands that give back
One easy way to help combat period poverty is to purchase menstrual products from brands that give back in some way. For example, the brand Cora provides period products to those in need every time a purchase is made.
U by Kotex is the founding sponsor of the Alliance for Period Supplies and they help fight against period poverty by donating two period products per purchase.
They also have several locations where people can drop off U by Kotex period products to those who are in need. There are many brands like these that donate to those experiencing period poverty, which is why it is so important to research brands when buying their products.
- Donate to charities
There are several charities that provide for those in need of period products.
Donating to these charities can benefit so many individuals, no matter how large or small the amount. Many charities use the money they receive to purchase menstrual products, help educate people about their resources, and support those in need.
Some charities to donate to are Days for Girls, the Pad Project, and the Alliance for Period Supplies. These charities and more work to end period poverty and provide for those in need of menstrual products.
- Sign petitions
Signing a petition fighting to end period poverty, or to provide period products for those who need them can be very beneficial. Petitions with several signatures have the potential to make a huge impact, and your signature can help make all the difference.
There are several petitions out there that are arguing to make period products more accessible and affordable. Some petitions that you can sign are from action network and change.org. There are many more petitions that could be signed if you research!
More attention needs to be brought to period poverty since it is such a large problem. Those in need of menstrual products should not have to worry when it comes to accessibility and affordability.
Let us know ways that you strive to help women in need on Instagram, @HerCampusSJSU!