Headline: menstrual equity: the gender gap in access to sanitary products and education
Beneath the everyday rhythm of school life, thousands of girls and women in developed countries are living with a discomforting reality—period poverty, a term for the lack of access to safe and affordable sanitary products.
This issue has been brought into sharp focus recently by Marije, a passionate advocate who speaks openly about the challenges she’s faced due to period poverty: "If it were only a problem for men, we would have solved this long ago."
The taboo surrounding menstruation has historically hindered open discussion, but with activists like Marije pushing for change, the veil is lifting.
The reality of period poverty
Period poverty is not restricted to developing nations. In fact, a report by Plan International UK found that one in 10 girls in the country have been unable to afford period products, forcing them to find alternatives or go without.
The consequences are profound—from missed school days to poorer mental health. A survey by the charity Freedom4Girls found that 48% of schoolgirls admitted to missing classes due to a lack of suitable period products, while 59% resorted to makeshift alternatives, such as torn-up clothing.
The digital divide
Educational content is increasingly becoming digital, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. However, this shift only amplifies period poverty’s consequences, as reliable internet access isn’t guaranteed.
Moreover, there’s a severe lack of digital resources tailored for menstruation education. While a 2019 Dutch study found a positive correlation between comprehensive sex education and better understanding of menstruation, it underscored the limited digital resources catering to it.
Fighting for menstrual equity
A growing number of initiatives are driving change. #FreePeriods, founded by Amika George, campaigns for free menstrual products in UK schools. Meanwhile, the Dutch government has committed to ending period poverty at home and globally.
Yet, there’s a long way to go. Addressing period poverty requires dismantling taboos, improving educational resources, and ensuring access to affordable products for all.
"The fact that society still struggles with discussing menstruation openly is ludicrous, given how prevalent it is in our lives," Marije asserts. By fostering conversation and action, we inch closer to her vision: "A world where no one has to experience period poverty. Ever."
