Period Poverty: The Silent Crisis We Need to Talk About

Breaking the Silence on Period Poverty

Imagine This…

You’re in school, at work, or out with friends, and suddenly, your period starts. Now imagine you don’t have access to sanitary products. What do you do? For millions worldwide, this isn’t just an occasional nightmare—it’s their everyday reality.

Period poverty—the lack of access to menstrual products, proper sanitation, and menstrual health education—is a crisis that remains hidden in plain sight. But it’s time we start talking about it.

Why Does Period Poverty Exist?

1. The Cost Barrier: Why Are Pads a Luxury?

Menstrual products are expensive. In many low-income families, they are seen as an unnecessary expense rather than a basic need. Shockingly, some countries even impose taxes on these essential items, making them even less affordable.

The result? People resort to unsafe alternatives like cloth rags, newspaper, or even sand—putting their health at serious risk.

 2. The Stigma: Why Is Menstruation Still a Taboo?

Menstrual products are expensive. Many low-income families, see them as an unnecessary expense rather than a basic need. Shockingly, some countries even impose taxes on these essential items, making them even less affordable.

The result? People resort to unsafe alternatives like cloth rags, newspapers, or even sand—putting their health at serious risk.

3. Lack of Sanitation: No Place to Change, No Place to Go

Imagine not having a clean, private space to change your pad or tampon. In many schools, workplaces, and public spaces, proper facilities simply don’t exist.

Without clean water, private restrooms, and disposal options, managing menstruation becomes nearly impossible—leading many to skip school or work altogether.

4. Lack of Education: Why Are We Still Keeping Girls in the Dark?

Menstrual health is often left out of school curriculums. Without proper education, young individuals—especially those experiencing their first period—are left confused, scared, and unprepared.

This lack of knowledge leads to the spread of myths and stigma that persist for generations.

How Can We End Period Poverty?

1. Ensuring Accessibility to Menstrual Products

Governments, NGOs, and social enterprises must work together to make menstrual products affordable and widely available. Initiatives such as:

• Providing free sanitary pads in schools and workplaces

• Removing taxes on menstrual products

• Encouraging the use of sustainable, reusable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads

2. Normalize Period Conversations

We need to break the stigma by openly discussing menstruation—at home, in schools, and in workplaces. Awareness campaigns, social media initiatives, and educational workshops can create an environment where no one feels ashamed of their period.

3. Improving Hygiene and Sanitation Facilities

Schools, workplaces, and public areas should have:

·       Hygienic restrooms with proper disposal options

• Clean water for washing

• Private changing spaces

These small but crucial improvements can empower menstruators to manage their periods with dignity.

4. Incorporating Menstrual Education in School Curriculums

Teaching both boys and girls about menstrual health can help break generational cycles of shame and misinformation. Education empowers young individuals to advocate for their rights and create a more inclusive society.

 The Time to Act Is Now….

Period poverty is not just a women’s issue—it is a social issue. It affects education, health, and economic opportunities, keeping millions in a cycle of disadvantage. It keeps millions trapped in cycles of disadvantage, and the silence around it only makes things worse.

As a social entrepreneurship society, we stand committed to raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and supporting grassroots efforts that make menstrual hygiene accessible for all.

The time for silence is over. Let’s work together to ensure that menstruation is never a barrier to dignity, education, and opportunity.