We need to talk about period poverty
By Nasheeta Kibria
Around the world, 1.8 billion girls, women, transgender men and non-binary persons experience menstruation. However, unlike many of us, they do not have access to essential sanitary products such as pads and tampons. This lack of access known as period poverty can affect their health, self-esteem and engagement within schools and community activities.
Imagine what it would feel like to rely on toilet paper from a public restroom on your period because you can’t afford a pad? Poor menstrual management can have a significant impact on the emotional and physical health and wellbeing of young women. A recent Australian study actually found that more than one-third of young women missed atleast once class, either at school or university in the past three months due to menstruation.
All individuals should have the right regardless of age, race or socio-economic status to manage their periods without shame, stigma or poverty limiting our accessibility and ability to participate in the community. Although there is some progress, as NSW schools now provide free access to period products. We also saw in 2019, the Australian government remove the 10% GST on sanitary products. However, this is not enough as more than one in five Australians are still using toilet paper, socks or other unsuitable alternatives to manage their periods because they are unable to afford pads and tampons with many not having safe, hygienic places to use them.
Research indicates that period poverty continues to be a global issue due to a variety of causes; lack of access to sanitary products, lack of WASH facilities, lack of dignity and lack of menstrual education. It can be challenging for women from low socio-economic backgrounds to access sanitary products as it can be extremely costly even without the tax. Poor access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene also remains a barrier to good menstrual health despite the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of resolutions in 2010 and 2015 which recognises the human rights to water and sanitation. According to the UN under the Sustainable Development Goals, 1.25 billion women and girls do not have access to safe, private toilets which makes them vulnerable to harassment and invasion of privacy. The taboo behind conversations on menstruation imposes indignity especially when you consider the lack of appropriate bathroom facilities and many women feel shameful about their periods. Furthermore, due to the stigma around menstruation there is limited education and resources available to help girls understand menstruation and the biological processes involved. It is essential that we empower women by breaking the silence amongst educators.
To combat these causes we require national based advocacy as young women need the support of their government to provide adequate infrastructure, access to affordable sanitary products and gender equity in the management of their periods. Although the changes we have made are important there is still a long way to go. It is time we rethink menstrual education and make access to feminine hygiene products for all Australians.