As World Menstrual Hygiene Day approaches on May 28th, it is crucial to address the intertwined issues of menstruation and poverty that persist globally. While menstruation is a natural biological process, its financial burden can exacerbate challenges, particularly for individuals from vulnerable parts of society. This intersection of gender and economic stigma contributes to what we term “period poverty.”
Amidst the conversations about creating a ‘period-friendly world’, this is perhaps one such issue that demands attention at the moment.
Understanding the Challenges of Period Poverty
According to UNFPA, “period poverty refers to the increased economic vulnerability women and girls face due to the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons but also related costs such as pain medication and underwear.”
Rithish Kumar, co-founder, Pee Safe, says, “In order to maintain basic hygiene and cleanliness during menstruation, an individual needs basic sanitation facilities and resources, which include the use of sanitary pads, a washing area, medicines, and all other means to manage periods.”
However, according to the data by UNICEF, around 2.8 billion people do not have access to safe sanitation services, and 1.9 billion lack basic handwashing facilities.
While there’s a growing variety of menstrual products available, including sanitary pads, menstrual cups, tampons, and eco-friendly options like reusable and biodegradable pads, these choices remain inaccessible to many.
“Shockingly, only about half of menstruators in India, even among the poorest families, use sanitary products. Instead, they resort to using cloth and other makeshift methods due to financial constraints. This disparity highlights the stark reality of period poverty, which affects at least 500 million people worldwide each month. In India alone, 12% of the 355 million menstruating individuals cannot afford essential period products, emphasising the urgent need for action,” adds Kumar.
Furthermore, period poverty is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge about menstrual hygiene management. Kumar shares, “When individuals are unaware of the resources needed to manage menstruation, they often resort to the closest available option or follow traditional practices without considering their potential harm. This starts a cycle driven by the deep-seated stigma surrounding menstruation, worsening the situation.”
For example, in regions like Nepal and parts of India, women are secluded to huts during menstruation due to societal perceptions of impurity. Moreover, inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, including clean washrooms, worsening the crisis.
Relying on these insufficient resources not only hinders menstrual hygiene maintenance but also increases the risk of reproductive illnesses, UTIs, and other infections if timely intervention is not provided.
How does Period Poverty impact an individual beyond health?
Additionally, period poverty isn’t restricted to just health and hygiene; it eventually starts affecting other areas of life as well.
Lack of awareness keeps menstruators from vulnerable sections misinformed about their own bodies; they face greater challenges even when it comes to sexual wellness and reproductive care. UNICEF’s sources suggest that a huge chunk of the population in our country—around 71%—is not well aware and informed about menstruation during the time of their first cycle.
Kumar opines, “Many menstruators are forced to live in isolation during their periods. This isolation can lead to mental trauma and loneliness, where a menstruator who might experience pain or early symptoms of some illness would hesitate to share the problems out loud.”
Due to a lack of washrooms and cleaning facilities, many girls opt to drop out of school at an early age. A report pointed out that 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to a lack of proper menstrual hygiene management facilities, which include the availability of sanitary pads and information about menstruation.
By addressing period poverty, we are confronting these interconnected issues head-on, with the potential to destigmatize multiple aspects of society. Recognising the root causes of period poverty is essential for implementing effective solutions.
The way out – Approaches to change
Addressing period poverty aligns directly with several Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3 (good health and well-being), Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation), and Goal 10 (reduced inequalities). This underscores the importance of government and community efforts worldwide to combat period poverty and promote menstrual health and dignity for all.
What we need is a collaborative approach to ending period poverty between governments, communities, and support groups. Among the last ones, it could be a great partnership fueled by both non-governmental organizations and brands working towards ensuring menstrual hygiene.
The government continues to work in ending period poverty through the use of legislation and effective policy making.
Pad distribution initiatives and awareness campaigns have been implemented at the state level, complementing programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which has significantly raised awareness about cleanliness and menstrual hygiene management nationwide. With over 11 crore toilets built across the country, these efforts are vital in addressing period poverty.
However, communities must also serve as agents of change. Increased awareness fosters greater acceptance of period care resources, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
It’s essential to educate menstruators, especially adolescents, about menstrual management and sexual wellness. Expert-led initiatives can equip them with accurate information to combat misinformation and taboos effectively.
Brands and organizations have a crucial role to play in addressing period poverty by enhancing product availability and raising awareness. For instance, HaqSePERIOD, an initiative launched by Pee Safe aims to improve menstrual hygiene in India. Their mission focuses on spreading awareness and educating women about the importance of menstrual hygiene.
One step at a time towards a period-friendly world
Ridding India of period poverty requires a dual approach: raising awareness and providing accurate information. Without the intervention of influential entities committed to bringing about much-needed reforms, progress will remain elusive. When vulnerable sections are equipped with knowledge about viable alternatives, they gain the power to safeguard their health and dignity—a fundamental human right. Moreover, there must be a concerted effort to promote sustainable menstrual methods, ensuring both the well-being of menstruators and the planet.
The journey to ending period poverty begins with small but decisive actions. By openly discussing the issue, we’ve already embarked on this journey. It’s necessary that menstruation is embraced as a natural aspect of life for all, empowering individuals instead of subjecting them to discrimination. Achieving period poverty goals in India would mark a significant progress towards gender and class equality.