Period Poverty

Our schools take care of this … everyone has access to what they need … the right products  … the right sizes … in the quantities they need … low income or vulnerable people can access what they need through food banks and government programs … and even if they can’t the products are affordable anyway … aren’t they? … it’s 2022 there’s no problem?  Right?

Wrong.

Period poverty is a huge health problem.  The costs and effects are felt by more than just one person, the costs affect everyone in our society.  

Recently, I attended a presentation by the founder of ITSPERSONALPERIOD.COM and came away from the presentation wanting to help.  One of the presenters main emphasis’ was to share information to help build more awareness and to create a “call to action.”    

According to a 2021 study completed by the presenter in our region of Southern Ontario, 55% of menstruators under 25 have struggled to access the appropriate and correct size products.  The numbers were staggering for the other age categories as well, 51% of women 25-34; 53% of women 35-45; and 56% of women over 45.  There are stigmas to overcome, there are problems accessing the correct size and type of products, and there are issues getting sufficient quantities for each person’s cycle. 

In the presentation, common anecdotal stories were shared.  Many of the stores were of teachers stigmatizing students, for example, not allowing a student to take purses to the washroom or by mistaking a crinkling package for candy and asking a young embarrassed student in front of the class, “I hope you brought enough for everyone.” The student was forced to show the class that they had a tampon in their hand, not candy.  More stories of vending machines that were not kept stocked or of Trans men being turned away because a support organization did not comprehend that someone who looked like a male, could be menstruating.

Additional stories were not limited to younger people.  We were told about local younger and older menstruators having to use toilet paper, socks, and even diapers because the right products aren’t available.  Stories of women having to re-use products because of accessibility problems.  Recent stories of women suffering from serious infections up to and including dying because of the lack of clean water and sanitary spaces.

In the same study, 76% of those under 25 have missed school or work because of menstruation issues.  For the other age categories, the numbers are 72%, 75%, and 71%.  The cost of lost education is a further obstacle for young people, particularly those people from low-income backgrounds.  Those in the workforce lost wages and the perception of unreliability only contributes more to the stigma, shame, and isolation they feel.  The cost to organizations and the economy seems to be lost in the daily news of each day.   

There is a misconception in our society that everyone is properly informed about menstrual health and menstrual products.  This myth is particularly felt by vulnerable people.  In fact, those under 25, fully 28% did not feel they have the proper education.  For the other age categories, the numbers were 40%, 42%, and 41%.  Clearly, there are some gaps in education and awareness.

For vulnerable and low-income people, escaping from poverty is only more difficult if they are forced to miss work or school because they do not have the tools to handle this health issue.  Several countries are recognizing period poverty as a national health issue and are providing free menstrual products in all government offices and agencies. 

This lack of awareness extends to some of the very agencies that are trying to help vulnerable people.  Boxes of supplies sit unused in some local organizations because of wrong assumptions or the mistaken belief that period poverty doesn’t exist in their community.  In other organizations, because of the perceived cost, the organizations limit the distribution of menstrual products to five or six pads or tampons per visit, which is supposed to last the client for an entire month.  Some organizations mistakenly believe that the cost is prohibitive when in fact the real cost according to the presentation was as low as $12/cycle/menstruator.  

There is a stigma about even having this conversation among some people.  More conversations will provide illumination of the myths and misconceptions about a health issue that affects all of us, not just women.  As a society, we need to do a better job educating the entire population on this health issue so they understand and can support people who menstruate.   

The lack of menstruation products and knowledge can significantly affect women’s mental health from stigma, as well as their overall health because of the increased risk of cancer, and toxic shock.

Some people have said that there were new government programs that will help, and they will help.  They are not enough.  Recently a province announced it was going to provide free menstrual products, but in reality, this will only provide 6 pads or tampons to each menstruating student each year, a good start, but clearly not enough.

What can you and we do to help?  Everyone needs to be aware of the size and scope of this crisis.  Everyone needs to openly discuss solutions and take action to implement them.  As mentioned, according to the founder of ITSPERSONALPERIOD.COM, the average cost to provide the correct products is $12/cycle.  Donate money and/or products to her organization or other similar organizations in your communities, your local schools, or your food bank.  Businesses can ensure that their associates and clients have access to products and also an appreciation and understanding of how this health issue affects them.  Additionally, ask your local politicians to make period poverty an issue that is on their agenda. 

As a society, we have two jobs; the first is to illuminate period poverty so everyone can help to reduce the stigma that exists in schools, at home, and in work environments.   Second, we can ensure that the supply of the right products in the right quantity is accessible to anyone who needs them.

Thank you,

Paul.