The demand for period products is high, and in families with more than one menstruator the cost can really add up. One of the ladies said, ‘These products make a big difference, and I can share them with my daughter, my sister, and my family. You have no idea how much money I have saved.’
Lack of access to period products affects social participation and daily activities.
Some menstruators have felt isolated from not being able to leave the home, Lidia told us
‘My ladies can’t leave the house if they do not have period products. This has meant that they have to stay at home rather than going to social events, church, and even not being able to pick up their children from school.’
Young girls are also missing out on school due to not having period products.
Lidia has told us that in her community the girls already struggle with feeling isolated at school, and lacking period products makes them feel even more alienated from their classmates. This leads to some of them missing out on school during their period, Lidia told us:
‘We have girls who are as young as 10 years old starting their period and not wanting to go to school. Since receiving period products, these girls feel more confident and less stressed about having periods at school, and have been really enjoying using period pants you have provided to us too.’
If you’d like to work with us you can contact us here. We continue to advocate for menstrual equity and work towards a future where no one faces barriers due to period poverty.