Period poverty refers to the difficulty for some menstruating people to access menstrual hygiene products (sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, etc.) due to their cost or the absence of these products in their environment. This poverty is often linked to situations of poverty or social marginalization. It can also include the lack of access to adequate sanitation facilities (such as clean and private toilets, running water) to properly manage menstruation.
The consequences of period poverty go beyond simple physical discomfort and can affect several aspects of life:
- Health : Using improper products (e.g., makeshift protections like rags, paper) can lead to infections or other health complications.
- Education : Many girls miss school during their periods because they do not have access to adequate protection or because the sanitation infrastructure at school is insufficient.
- Work : Period poverty can also affect people's ability to work, contributing to economic and social exclusion.
The phenomenon is often accentuated in contexts of poverty, whether in developing countries or in disadvantaged areas of industrialized countries. More and more initiatives and organizations are campaigning to make these essential products accessible, in particular by making menstrual protection free in schools, universities, or public places.
To combat menstrual insecurity , several solutions can be implemented, at the individual, community and institutional levels. Here are the main approaches:
1. Promoting sustainable alternatives
- Promoting menstrual products reusable like menstrual cups, washable towels or the menstrual panties . These alternatives, although requiring an initial investment, can be more economical and sustainable in the long term, in addition to being more environmentally friendly.
2. Awareness and education
- Menstrual education : It is important to break the taboo around menstruation and educate young people (girls and boys) about menstrual health. Educational programs in schools or public campaigns can help normalize menstruation and promote healthy practices.
- Addressing stigma : Encouraging open discussions about periods would help reduce the stigma associated with menstruation, which can be a major barrier to accessing health products and education.
3. Improvement of health infrastructure
- Access to adequate sanitation : Schools, workplaces and public spaces must be equipped with clean and safe toilets, with drinking water and suitable bins for disposing of sanitary products. This is particularly crucial in disadvantaged areas and developing countries.
- Ensure private spaces : Menstruating people must be able to manage their periods with dignity, with private spaces for changing, cleaning and storing products.
4. Support for local initiatives and NGOs
- Many associations and NGOs are campaigning against period poverty by collecting and distributing menstrual protection to people in need, and by conducting awareness campaigns. Supporting these initiatives can help reach marginalized populations.
- Food banks and shelters can also distribute menstrual products to people experiencing poverty or homelessness.
5. Public policies and political commitment
- Governments can play a central role by implementing policies that make menstrual products accessible and affordable. Measures such as allocating a budget to provide these products in public facilities or creating support programs for vulnerable people are sustainable solutions.
- Some countries, such as Scotland, have already introduced laws to make menstrual products free in all public places. These examples can serve as a model for other countries.
6. Free or subsidized access to menstrual protection
- Free distribution of menstrual products : Provide free sanitary towels, tampons or menstrual cups in public places (schools, universities, community centres, businesses, prisons, etc.). This helps ensure that no one goes without basic products due to financial hardship.
- Reduce taxes on menstrual products : Many countries tax menstrual products, considering them non-essential. Removing or reducing this tax (often called a “tampon tax”) would make these products more affordable.
7. Encourage research and innovation
- Supporting research on menstrual products and their impacts (both in terms of health, environment and accessibility) would improve access to quality products at lower costs. There are still grey areas regarding access and practices in menstrual management, particularly in rural or developing contexts.
In summary, solving period poverty requires action on multiple fronts: making menstrual products accessible, improving health infrastructure, educating and raising awareness, and adopting supportive public policies. These initiatives must involve collaboration between governments, NGOs, educational institutions, and civil society.