For many of us, menstruation is a predictable part of life. We stock up on pads, tampons, or other menstrual products without a second thought. However, for millions of people worldwide, accessing these essential products is a daily struggle. This struggle is known as period poverty, and its impacts extend far beyond inconvenience — it’s a public health issue, a matter of human rights, and an obstacle to gender equity.
What is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities. It affects people who menstruate — predominantly women and girls — who are unable to afford or access the basic products needed to manage their periods hygienically and with dignity. Period poverty isn’t confined to developing countries; it exists everywhere, including the U.S., where an estimated one in five girls have struggled to afford period products at some point according to a survey by Always. Low-income people and those experiencing homelessness often face difficult choices between buying food, paying rent, or purchasing menstrual supplies. In some cases, people are forced to use makeshift alternatives like toilet paper, socks, or cloth, which can lead to infections and other health issues.
The Stigma Around Menstruation
One of the most pervasive aspects of period poverty is the stigma associated with menstruation. In many cultures, menstruation is still considered dirty or shameful. This stigma prevents open conversations about periods and perpetuates harmful myths that keep people in the dark about menstrual health. The taboo around menstruation further isolates those who are already struggling, making it difficult for them to seek help or even acknowledge the problem. When menstrual hygiene is not openly discussed, accessing proper products and education is even more challenging.
The Impact on Mental and Physical Health
The emotional and physical toll of period poverty is immense. People who cannot afford sanitary products often feel embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious about managing their periods in public spaces. This can affect school attendance, job performance, and social relationships.
Beyond the emotional burden, the use of inadequate or unsafe alternatives to menstrual products can lead to serious health risks. Prolonged use of unhygienic materials increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and in extreme cases, conditions like toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities further exacerbates these risks.
Tackling Period Poverty: Efforts and Challenges
Not only are period products ineligible for coverage under food stamps and SNAP benefits, but certain states also designate menstrual care products as “luxury items” so that they are taxed under the state sales tax, unlike other “essential” items such as grocery store produce, canned goods, and prescriptions.
What Can We Do to Help?
Solving period poverty requires systemic change, but there are tangible steps we can all take to contribute to the cause:
1. Support Menstrual Equity Legislation: This Letter writing campaign will spread the word and urge representatives to co-sponsor the Menstrual Equity for All Act, Period Proud Act, and the STAMP Act, three pieces of legislation that will help to increase access to free period products to individuals across the country!
2. Donate Products: Many food banks, shelters, and community organizations accept donations of menstrual products, which they distribute to those in need. Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti is a local free clinic that provides free menstrual supplies to those in need. You can also support organizations that specialize in period poverty relief such as Alliance for Period Supplies. You can also become involved with student organizations at UofM such as The Dot Org or the American Medical Women’s Association to help combat period poverty.
3. Break the Stigma: Normalize conversations about periods. The more open we are about menstruation, the easier it becomes to address the issues of period poverty. Share information, educate others, and push back against the shame and taboos surrounding menstrual health. Talk to your brothers, dads, uncles, boyfriends, and male friends about menstruation and period poverty–this is an issue that everyone should be aware of.
4. Advocate for Workplace and School Accommodations: Push for institutions to provide free period products in bathrooms and consider menstrual health as part of overall wellness initiatives.
5. Period Action Day (PAD): Period Action Day is held by Period. The Menstrual Movement on October 12th, 2024, and it is a global day of advocacy to take action against period poverty and stigma. You can learn more and how to get involved at periodactionday.com.
Period poverty is a deeply entrenched issue that affects millions of people worldwide, but it’s an issue we can address with collective effort. By advocating for policy changes, supporting grassroots initiatives, and normalizing conversations about menstruation, we can help dismantle the barriers that prevent people from managing their periods with dignity. Ending period poverty is not just about access to products; it’s about ensuring equity, empowering people, and breaking the cycle of poverty.