Period Poverty = The “inability to afford or access menstrual products, sanitation, or hygiene services”.
Around 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate each month. Yet, there is still a massive stigma around periods, and many are forced to go through their cycle without the necessary facilities and products. Additionally, more than 1.5 billion people lack basic sanitation services such as toilets and clean water.
How do periods impact people’s lives?
Due to their periods, nearly two million UK students aged 14-21 have missed part or a full day of school; 34% of these said they were worried about leaking, and 22% said they had anxiety linked to their periods.
Similarly, 85% of British women said they experience stress/anxiety when managing their periods at work; 43% said this was due to fear of leakage, 40% reported it was due to heavy bleeding, and 10% cited “unsupportive management.”
How can providing period products keep people safe?
Of those affected by period poverty in the UK, 41% said they kept sanitary pads or tampons for longer use than advised. Additionally, 8% said they reused disposable pads. Many tried alternative resources, with 37% saying they used tissues or cotton wool, 13% used socks/other clothing, and 9% resorted to paper or newspaper.
Poor hygiene during menstruation, including reusing disposable products (such as pads and tampons), can cause:
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which can lead to sepsis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (due to a buildup of bacteria)
- Rashes/itching
Who does period poverty affect?
- Low-income households.
- Those living in conflict.
- People who are homeless.
- Those in low-income countries.
- Refugees.
- People living in poverty.
Laws and regulations
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Workplaces must provide “suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences …at readily accessible places.”
Why is it important to provide sanitary products?
- It can help remove stigma around menstruation by showing it as a natural bodily function that we need to provide for (just like toilet paper).
- It retains employee/student attendance by making sure people can still go to school or work while menstruating.
- Prevents stress/anxiety for those who menstruate.
- To promote inclusivity and gender equality.
- Keep individuals safe so they don’t have to rely on other, less-hygienic alternatives or reuse disposable products.
- Helps provide for those in low-income households.
Why are sanitary bins important?
- They help reduce anxiety or worry for people trying to dispose of menstrual products.
- They are an efficient way to keep bathrooms fresh and tidy.
- Can prevent period products from being flushed down toilets (which can cause blockages and expensive repairs).
How NWR Hygiene Group can help
We can provide sanitary bins for a hygienic and discreet means of disposing of menstrual products. We also offer vending machines that can supply period products.
Conclusion
Periods are normal. They are as natural as any other regular bodily function, and people shouldn’t feel ashamed of them. Everyone should be entitled to the proper products and facilities needed during their cycle. It is vital that these services are accessible to all.
And you can help.
