Period Poverty

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and adequate sanitation facilities, affecting millions of women and girls worldwide. In many low-income communities and developing countries, menstruation remains a taboo subject, leading to shame and stigma surrounding periods. As a result, numerous individuals are unable to afford or access essential menstrual products, such as pads or tampons. This puts their health and well-being at risk. This inequality also hinders girls from attending school regularly and participating in daily activities.

Statistics

Forty-two percent of women have experienced period shaming.

The issue of period poverty affects 500 million people worldwide.

Seventy-nine percent of students feel that they do not have proper education when it comes to menstrual health.

Fifty-eight percent of women say that they regularly feel the need to lie about being on their period.

The Reality is Frightening.

12-Year-Old Indian Schoolgirl Takes Her Life

A 12-year-old schoolgirl from southern India died by suicide after reportedly being humiliated by a teacher over a menstrual blood stain. The girl's mother revealed that the teacher had made her daughter leave the class because of the stain. Menstruation is a sensitive topic in rural India, where traditional beliefs associate it with impurity. The incident, occurring in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, led to a police investigation into the suicide. The note expressed the girl's confusion about the mistreatment.