In today’s world, where technological marvels such as space tourism (with billionaires rocketing themselves into space for fun), genetic engineering making the headlines daily, and artificial intelligence creeping into our very fabric of society, it is almost laughable – and by laughable, I mean absolutely infuriating to know that millions of girls and women still struggle to manage an ancient and natural biological process: menstruation.
The harsh reality of period poverty, defined as the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, sanitation facilities, waste management and adequate education, continues to plague many regions of the world, leading to physical, mental and emotional challenges. Often shrouded in silence and stigma, period poverty hinders educational and economic opportunities for countless young women. It is not just a women’s issue anyway, this is a human rights crisis that significantly impacts health, education, and economic opportunities for a large chunk of our society.
Globally, period poverty affects about 500 million women and girls. In the US, 16.9 million people who menstruate are living in poverty. Two-thirds of this number could not afford menstrual products as at 2021, with a half of the figure needing to choose between menstrual products and food. 14.2% of college menstruating people in the US had experienced period poverty less than a year ago. 10% of menstruating college students experience this phenomenon monthly. Tax on menstrual products in the US ranged from 4.7% to 10% in 2019.
In southeast Asia, lack of facilities in workplaces for menstruation hygiene accounted for 13.8million and 1.5million workday absences in the Philippines and Vietnam respectively. In Nepal and parts of India, some perceive menstruation as a cultural taboo leading to isolation and requisite cleansing of people who menstruate!!!
In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is dire as one in ten girls is reported to miss school during their menstrual cycle, and this absenteeism contributes significantly to school dropout rates. In Kenya alone, nearly one million girls miss school due to lack of access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities, with the cost of sanitary pads remaining prohibitively high for many families, contributing to high rates of school absenteeism among girls during menstruation. In Nigeria, over 60% of women and girls lack access to menstrual hygiene products, with rural areas facing the greatest disparities.
In Ethiopia, over 50% of girls miss school due to menstruation-related issues, significantly impacting their academic performance and future prospects. These disruptions in education have long-term consequences, limiting future earning potential and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Meanwhile, in South Africa, cultural taboos surrounding menstruation perpetuate stigma and shame, hindering open dialogue and access to reproductive health services.
In many African countries, menstrual products are either exorbitantly priced or simply unavailable. For example, in Uganda, a pack of sanitary pads can cost up to $2, a significant portion of the daily income for many families. This cost forces families to make impossible choices between buying essential hygiene products or other necessities like food. If one is wondering why menstrual products cost so much, it might be because some policymakers still seem to think periods are a luxury. Perhaps if these products were marketed as key essentials, we would have seen a lot more enthusiasm for subsidizing them. Petroleum products in Nigeria readily come to mind here.
Globally, Australia leads the way while parts of Western Europe particularly Scotland and Belgium have shown bright lights in making period products available for free for anyone that needs them.
“We just cannot continue to treat menstrual products as luxury items anymore, for crying out loud, they are a basic necessity of life.”
Inadequate Sanitation Facilities
The lack of access to menstrual products means that many girls are forced to use unhygienic alternatives like rags, leaves, or even mud, increasing their risk of infections. Even if menstrual products are miraculously affordable, the lack of clean and private sanitation facilities exacerbates the problem. Imagine attending a school where there’s no private bathroom, no water, and no place to dispose of used menstrual products. The mere thought is uncomfortable, yet it is a daily reality for millions.
Societal stigma and Lack of Education
The stigma surrounding menstruation in many cultures further compounds the issue. Girls often receive inadequate education about menstrual health, leading to misinformation and embarrassment. This societal silence perpetuates ignorance and shame, making it difficult for girls to seek the help they need. Some cultures will even isolate girls during menstruation due to the perceived belief of menstruation-associated uncleanliness until flow ends. It is almost as if discussing a natural biological process would cause the collapse of civilization as we know it.
Limited Access to Reproductive Health Services
Access to comprehensive reproductive health services is limited, aggravating the problem of menstrual health. When reproductive health is not prioritized, menstrual health expectedly falls by the wayside. The lack of access to health services means that issues like menstrual disorders go unattended to, further worsening the quality of life and limiting economic opportunities for women.
Cutting through the silence.
Isn’t it just resentful that while we can send humans and even robots to Mars, millions of girls on our planet earth cannot access basic hygiene products to manage a few days of bleeding every month!!! The irony is rather staggering. Perhaps we should start crowdfunding for sanitary pads and tampons just the way we do for the latest tech gadgets, after all, what’s more futuristic than basic human dignity? We just cannot continue to treat menstrual products as luxury items anymore, for crying out loud, they are a basic necessity of life.
“… many girls are forced to use unhygienic alternatives like rags, leaves, or even mud, potentially increasing their risk of infections simply because they’re girls.”
Addressing period poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that involves policy changes, education, improved infrastructure, and innovative solutions, among others.
Policy and Advocacy
Governments must recognize menstrual health as a fundamental human right and implement policies to provide free or subsidized menstrual products. Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have already made strides in this direction by scrapping taxes on menstrual products. More nations need to follow suit. Advocacy efforts should focus on raising awareness and pushing for legislative changes that ensure menstrual products are accessible and affordable. This brings to mind the great work being done by Maryam Mohammad and Hajara Husseini in Northern Nigeria, among others. We need more of these advocates to drive home the salient points, for a better posterity.
Education and Awareness
Comprehensive sex education should be integrated into school curriculums to dispel myths and break down the stigma surrounding menstruation. Education should not only target girls but also boys and the wider community to foster understanding and support. Community outreach programs can play a significant role in informally educating both men and women about menstrual health, breaking the cycle of ignorance and shame.
Improving Sanitation Infrastructure
Investment in sanitation infrastructure is crucial. Schools and public places need clean, safe, and private facilities for girls and women to manage their menstruation with dignity. This includes providing access to clean water, private rest-rooms, and proper disposal facilities for menstrual products. Governments and NGOs should prioritize building and maintaining these facilities.
Innovative Solutions
Some grassroots initiatives and social enterprises are beginning to step up where governments have failed. Organizations like “Afripads” and “Days for Girls” are providing affordable and reusable menstrual products, empowering women, and promoting sustainable solutions. For instance, Afripads produces reusable cloth pads that can last up to a year, significantly reducing costs and waste. Days for Girls provides education and menstrual kits, helping to break the cycle of period poverty in the process.
Community Involvement and Gender Inclusivity
Engaging communities and including men and boys in the conversation is essential for changing attitudes towards menstruation. Programs that educate men and boys about menstrual health can contribute to greatly reduce stigma and promote gender equality. Community leaders, religious leaders, and influencers can play a pivotal role in shifting cultural norms and advocating for better menstrual health management.
Leveraging Technology
Technology can also play a role in addressing period poverty. Mobile apps and online platforms can provide information and education on menstrual health, track menstrual cycles, and offer support. Social media campaigns can raise awareness and mobilize support for initiatives aimed at ending period poverty.
Leveraging technology can help reach a wider audience over a shorter period of time and create a more informed and supportive society.
Strategy for Change:
Period poverty is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention. As we champion human rights and gender equality, we cannot ignore the fundamental need for menstrual hygiene management. The real change requires concerted efforts from governments, NGOs, communities, individuals, and even corporates. Ensuring access to menstrual products, education, and facilities is not just about managing a biological process, it is also about safeguarding the rights, health, and futures of millions of girls and women. Let us not let period poverty bleed out opportunities; it is indeed time to flow towards a brighter, more equitable future.
The Big Question!!!
“Is period poverty a symptom of a bigger problem, or are we just scratching the surface?” And so… “What do you think would happen if we spent as much on menstrual health as we do on a quarter of our typical military budgets?”
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
This article is written by Dr. Jocelyn OKOH (DVM, MSc, MPH), a Global Health Analyst and Commentator, a passionate traveler, an avid football (soccer) lover, a caring husband and a proud father of two lovely Angels.
