Periods are a natural part of life, yet millions of people around the world struggle to access the products they need to manage them with dignity. So, what is period poverty? Period poverty means not being able to afford the period products required to manage menstruation safely and comfortably. This lack of access affects health, education, work, and confidence. At its heart, what is period poverty about is not just products. It is about equality, opportunity, and respect.
In this guide, we will explore what is period poverty means, period poverty facts, causes of period poverty, and what can be done to end it.
What is Period Poverty?
What is period poverty? It refers to when someone cannot afford the period products they need. For some, this means choosing between buying food and buying sanitary pads. For others, it means missing school or work because they cannot manage their period safely and comfortably.
In the UK, food banks are reporting growing demand for period products, showing that period poverty is very real here. Around the world, millions of people are also affected. In some places, girls resort to using rags, paper, or even leaves because they have no other option. This is not just uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous for their health.
Period poverty strips people of their dignity and limits their opportunities. Without proper products, many miss days of education or work, setting them back in ways that can affect their entire future.
Why Are Sanitary Pads So Expensive?
<div class="product-grid-wrapper">[280822054977, asc_alphabet, desc_price, 8]</div>
One of the main causes of period poverty is the cost of products. Pads and tampons are often more expensive than people expect for something that is an essential item.
The price comes from several factors. There are costs of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. In some countries, taxes have also been added to period products as though they were luxury goods.
Disposable products are also single use. This means people need to buy them every month, which adds up to a significant expense over time. For those already struggling with their bills, this regular cost can feel overwhelming.
Why Are Period Products Not Free?
It might seem obvious that period products should be free. They are as essential as toilet paper, yet they have not always been treated that way.
There are several reasons. Historically, menstruation has been a taboo subject. It has often been ignored by politicians and decision makers, meaning it was not seen as a priority. In many societies, menstrual health has been undervalued, which has led to a lack of funding and support.
There has been progress. Some countries and local governments now provide free products in schools, workplaces, or public buildings. However, this is not yet universal, and many people still face barriers to access.
Is the Tampon Tax Removed?
For many years, even cheap sanitary pads and tampons in the UK carried a tax of five percent. Campaigners argued that this was unfair because these products are essential, not a luxury. After much effort, the tampon tax was finally removed in 2021.
Why are period pants so expensive? Period pants, which are reusable underwear designed for menstruation, were taxed at twenty percent because they were classed as regular underwear. Campaigners continued to fight for fairness, and in 2023 the government confirmed that from January 2024 period pants tax would be abolished.
This change has made products more affordable and was an important step in recognising period care as a basic necessity.
What is the Main Cause of Period Poverty?
The main cause of period poverty is poverty itself. When families struggle to cover rent, heating, and food, there is often little left for anything else. Period products, though essential, can fall to the bottom of the list when money is short.
Other causes of period poverty include stigma around menstruation. Many people are too embarrassed to ask for help. In some cultures, myths and shame still surround periods, leading to exclusion and silence. Lack of education also plays a part. If people are not taught about menstruation and their options, they cannot make informed choices about how to manage it.
Period poverty is therefore not just about money. It is a mix of financial struggle, cultural attitudes, and gaps in education and support.
Where is Period Poverty the Worst in the World?
Period poverty is a global issue, but it is most severe in low income countries. In many rural areas, safe products are hard to find or unaffordable. Girls may be forced to use unsafe alternatives such as rags or leaves, which can cause infections and discomfort.
The effects of period poverty go beyond health. Without products, many girls miss days of school each month. Over time, this affects their education, reduces their chances of employment, and increases the cycle of poverty. In some areas, girls are even pressured into harmful practices, such as exchanging sex for sanitary products, which puts them at risk of disease and early pregnancy.
This highlights how deeply period poverty affects not only individuals but whole communities.
Is There Period Poverty in the UK?
Although the UK is a wealthy country, period poverty still exists here. Food banks report regular requests for pads and tampons. Local charities step in to distribute products, and some schools and councils now provide free supplies.
However, access is not the same everywhere. Some areas have better support than others, and many people still find themselves without products when they need them most. This shows that even in developed countries, period poverty is a very real problem.
How to End Period Poverty
Solutions to period poverty do exist, but they require collective effort.
-
Provide free or affordable products: Governments, schools, and workplaces can help by making products available to everyone who needs them.
-
Encourage sustainable options: Reusable pads, cups, and period underwear can give long term solutions and reduce ongoing costs.
-
Promote education: Teaching about periods in schools and communities helps to break down stigma and empower people with knowledge.
-
Challenge stigma: Talking openly about menstruation helps to normalise it and ensures that those in need feel able to ask for help.
- Campaign for change: Continued activism is vital to make sure governments prioritise menstrual health and equality.
Conclusion
What is period poverty? It is a complex issue tied to poverty, inequality, and stigma, affecting millions worldwide. No one should have to choose between buying food and buying pads. No one should miss school or work because of their period.
The removal of unfair taxes, like when the tampon tax was removed, has shown that change is possible when people speak out. Campaigns and community action continue to make progress, but more must be done to ensure that period products are available to everyone, everywhere.
By supporting initiatives, donating when we can, and speaking openly about menstrual health, we can all play a part in ending period poverty. Understanding period poverty facts and raising awareness about its causes and effects helps push the issue forward. A world without period poverty is a world where dignity, equality, and opportunity are available to all.