Period Poverty – What is it and what can be done?

Understanding Period Poverty

Period poverty is a pressing global issue affecting millions of women and girls who struggle to afford menstrual products. This lack of access to sanitary products, safe and hygienic spaces to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma can have severe repercussions. According to the charity Plan International UK, one in ten girls in the UK cannot afford menstrual products, and the impact is similarly severe worldwide.

Period poverty is driven by several factors:

• Economic inequality: Many women and girls cannot afford to purchase menstrual products (WIIS).
• Cultural stigma: Societal taboos and misinformation about menstruation can often make women and girls feel ashamed and isolated.
• Lack of education: Without proper knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene, women and girls can end up with poor menstrual practices and serious health issues.

The impacts are far-reaching:

• Girls may miss school during their periods, leading to gaps in education and lower academic performance, as well as impacting their social wellbeing.
• Improper menstrual hygiene, along with the use of inadequate menstrual products can cause infections and other health issues, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.
• Women may miss work, affecting their income and career progression (Mayo Clinic).

What is being done to help end Period Poverty in the UK?

Initiatives and measures implemented by the UK Government

The UK government has implemented initiatives such as providing free sanitary products in schools and colleges across England, helping to ensure that no girl misses education due to her period.

• Scotland became the first country to provide free sanitary products to all students in schools, colleges, and universities through a £5.2m scheme to fight period poverty.
• From summer 2019, the NHS in England began offering free sanitary products to all women and girls under their care, and on request.
• In January 2020, the UK government launched the Period Products Scheme, providing students with necessary products at their place of study. By September 2023, 99% of secondary schools and 94% of post-16 institutions had used the scheme. The scheme includes various products like pantyliners and eco-friendly period pants. The scheme has been extended until at least July 2024 to help end period poverty and support disadvantaged students.
• In 2019, the UK government introduced the Period Poverty Taskforce. This taskforce, co-chaired by Plan International UK and Procter & Gamble, focuses on reducing the stigma associated with menstruation and improving the availability of menstrual products. The government has also dedicated £250,000 to support initiatives addressing period poverty, with a strategy to partner with private sector entities to maximise resources and expertise.
• To ensure menstrual products are more affordable, in January 2021, the government abolished “tampon tax” and reclassified these items as essential goods.

They have also announced a range of measures, including making period products freely available in schools, hospitals, and police stations, to ensure widespread access.

Charities and organisations leading the fight against Period Poverty

Numerous charities and organisations are making significant strides in combating period poverty.

Freedom4Girls, a UK-registered charity that Initial has partnered with, is dedicated to fighting period poverty in both Africa and the UK by challenging stigmas, taboos, and gender inequalities associated with menstruation. They raise awareness about menstrual health, distribute sanitary products, and promote options that are eco-friendly and financially sustainable.

Want to support this cause? Make a donation to Freedom4Girls.

What is Initial doing to promote Period Dignity?

Period dignity goes beyond just providing products. It encompasses education, access, and the normalisation of menstruation. Initial’s Period Dignity initiative focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and promoting a culture where women and girls can manage their periods with dignity and confidence.

The In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispenser is housed in a compact unit, inside the toilet cubicle, users who cannot afford them or who have simply been caught unaware are provided with easy, free and most importantly, private, access to period products, provided at the point of need.

The dispenser holds either Always or Selenei towels or Tampax or Selenei tampons. By using these premium brands, the user is reassured that you are providing a quality Period Dignity solution.

For every Initial In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispenser installed by Initial Washroom Hygiene, the company is donating £5 to Freedom4Girls as well as an additional donation of £1 for every box of sanitary refills ordered for these units.

Initial provides various solutions to help period dignity, from our In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispenser, to our sanitary vending options – our Period Dignity Cubicle Dispenser and FreeVend sanitary vending machine.

For more information on period dignity, visit our Period Dignity page.

The power of awareness: fighting Period Poverty through Period Dignity

Creating awareness about period dignity is crucial in the fight against period poverty. Period dignity means more than just providing menstrual products; it involves educating the public, challenging stigmas, and creating an environment of respect and normalisation around menstruation.

A comprehensive approach is necessary to combat period poverty effectively:

• Product Access: Ensuring free and easy access to menstrual products is essential. Installing dispensers that facilitate free sanitary products, such as Initial’s In Cubicle Period Dignity Dispensers in schools, workplaces, and public facilities can provide discreet and convenient access to necessary items at the point of need.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with charities and organisations can amplify efforts to distribute products and raise awareness and reach those in need.
• Policy Changes: Advocating for policies that support menstrual health and provide funding for menstrual products is vital. Government initiatives, like the UK’s Period Poverty Taskforce mentioned earlier, play a crucial role in making products available and breaking down stigmas.
• Education: Implementing educational programs in schools and communities is key to teaching about menstrual health and breaking stigmas. Comprehensive education ensures that both girls and boys understand menstruation, reducing misinformation and promoting a supportive environment.

By working together, we can make significant strides in ensuring period dignity and ending period poverty for all.