Period Poverty: A Global Crisis in Menstrual Health
Period poverty is a hidden crisis that affects millions of menstruators worldwide, hindering their ability to live healthy, dignified lives. It refers to the inadequate or limited access to menstrual products and menstrual health education due to financial barriers or stigma surrounding menstruation. According to UNICEF, approximately 800 million women and girls menstruate on any given day, yet more than half of them lack the necessary resources to manage their periods with dignity every month (UNICEF). This issue is deeply rooted in centuries of historical oppression against women, girls, and people who menstruate, compounded by negative socio-cultural beliefs that continue to fuel stigma. In countries like India, the impact of period poverty is particularly pronounced, especially in marginalized communities. Georgetown Project RISHI is working to address these inequities by empowering communities and providing sustainable solutions to period poverty. RISHI uplifts those most affected, challenging centuries-old barriers that limit access to essential menstrual care and education. As the following sections will explore, the effects of period poverty are wide-reaching, deeply affecting menstruators’ health, education, and social inclusion. The intersection of these challenges underscores the urgency of addressing period poverty on a larger scale.
Lack of availability and affordability
Menstrual hygiene management continues to be a significant challenge for millions of women and girls in India. Recently, the use of hygienic menstrual products has been on the rise, but issues related to access and affordability remain. The average monthly cost of menstrual products in India is around 300 rupees, or approximately $4.20 (Toybox, 2021). This amount is burdensome for many, especially given India's low average daily wage. The financial strain of menstrual hygiene products forces families to prioritize essential needs over menstrual hygiene. Rural areas, in particular, have lower rates of menstrual hygiene product usage compared to urban areas, highlighting ongoing geographical disparities (Biswas, 2024). The lack of access to affordable menstrual products negatively impacts the health of women and girls, and it also affects their education. Girls without adequate menstrual hygiene products miss school during their menstrual cycles (Toybox, 2021).
Inadequate education and awareness
Inadequate education and awareness about proper menstrual hygiene continue to pose a significant challenge for women and girls in India, particularly in rural areas. Despite recent government efforts, many adolescent girls lack knowledge about menstruation and puberty before their first period (Ujaas). Although schools may address the biology of menstruation, they often leave out comprehensive menstrual hygiene management. This lack of knowledge, combined with persistent social taboos and myths, leaves girls unprepared and unaware of safe menstrual hygiene practices. Additionally, wealth and access to social media influence girls' understanding of menstrual hygiene management.
Impact on menstruator’s lives
Period poverty profoundly impacts every aspect of life for menstruators, including their physical and mental health, educational opportunities, financial stability, social inclusion, and fundamental human rights. Without access to proper menstrual products, many menstruators resort to using makeshift materials like dirty cloths or rags, which pose significant health risks. Prolonged reliance on such inadequate supplies increases the likelihood of reproductive tract infections, human papillomavirus (HPV), and other serious health issues, which can ultimately lead to life-threatening conditions such as cervical cancer. In addition to the physical dangers, period poverty also takes a heavy toll on mental health. The stigma surrounding menstruation is a major contributor to anxiety and depression among menstruators. The fear of judgment, combined with the lack of access to menstrual products, creates a cycle of embarrassment and isolation. According to Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust in India, “79% faced low levels of confidence because of menstruation, and 44% felt humiliated and embarrassed over the restrictions” (Ujaas). This highlights the emotional distress that menstruators endure due to societal shame and the fear of public scrutiny.
Period poverty also severely disrupts education, especially in low-income countries. A lack of access to menstrual products often leads to increased school absenteeism, as menstruators feel they cannot attend school without the necessary supplies to manage their menstruation. Ujaas reports that “60% of girls missed school because of menstruation” (Ujaas, [year]), while the University of Warwick found that “An estimated 23% of girls drop out of school in India when they start menstruating” (University of Warwick, 2024). Without the appropriate products to manage their menstruation throughout the school day, many menstruators choose to stay home rather than risk the embarrassment or discomfort of attending school. This not only hinders their education but also deepens the cycle of poverty. Dropping out of school makes it difficult to secure employment, further entrenching menstruators in financial instability and perpetuating an intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Beyond education, period poverty also isolates menstruators socially. In many cultures, menstruation is stigmatized as “impure” or “dirty,” leading to the exclusion of menstruators from important social and religious events. For example, menstruators are often barred from entering places of worship, such as temples and shrines, and are excluded from activities like cooking or participating in family gatherings (Ujaas). This social exclusion is rooted in harmful cultural perceptions that perpetuate the stigma surrounding menstruation, reinforcing feelings of marginalization and shame.
Finally, period poverty is a violation of basic human rights. Access to menstrual products is not just a matter of health and hygiene but is essential for ensuring that menstruators can fully participate in society, maintain their dignity, and exercise their fundamental rights. Menstruators are entitled to education, to engage in cultural and religious practices, and to live free from stigma and discrimination. When period poverty restricts access to these basic rights, it further marginalizes already vulnerable populations and deepens the inequality they face. Addressing period poverty is crucial not only for improving health and well-being but also for upholding human dignity and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Conclusion/Looking ahead
Period poverty is a significant issue in India, with many individuals forced to choose between necessities and menstrual hygiene. This financial strain often results in girls skipping school and encountering health risks. A broader, sustainable solution is essential to ensure that all girls and women in India have access to affordable, stigma-free menstrual products. This involves normalizing menstruation, removing taboos, and implementing policies that guarantee access to period products, hygiene, and sanitation. Governments must prioritize menstrual equity and create comprehensive programs focused on awareness, hygiene, and product distribution. Sustainable alternatives, such as menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads, provide cost-effective solutions. Education is a powerful tool for combating period poverty by addressing menstrual health, sex education, and family planning. A collaborative effort is the most effective way to create meaningful change and ensure menstrual equity for everyone.
References
Biswas, S., Alam, A., Islam, N. et al. Understanding period product use among young women in rural and urban India from a geospatial perspective. Sci Rep 14, 20114 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70383-w
Breaking the silence: Tackling period poverty in India as 23% drop out of school when they hit puberty. News & Events. (2024, August 5). https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/?newsItem=8a17841b910d3301019122b5d5416856#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20reality%20in%20India%20is,millions%20of%20menstruators%20in%20India.%22
Menstrual hygiene. (n.d.). UNICEF. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
Menstrual taboo: Breaking down the stigma - a cultural perspective. (n.d.). Ujaas. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.ujaas.in/blogs/breaking-down-menstrual-taboo
Spotlight on period poverty in India. (n.d.). Toybox. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://toybox.org.uk/news/spotlight-on-period-poverty-in-india