Shocked by how widespread the problem of period poverty is in both the UK and other countries, we went on to contact a number of product providers, supermarkets and the general public raising awareness of the issue.
Later that same year Freedom4Girls contributed to the breakthrough investigation and research by Plan International for their ‘Break the Barriers’ report. Through this survey we learned how widespread the issue of period poverty was with shocking statistics on the impact on the lives of young women and girls.
From the investigations towards the report, Plan International also defined period poverty as having three levels to it:
Together these create the ‘toxic trio’ of period poverty; a definition that Freedom4Girls both subscribe to and base the reasons behind our philosophy, mission and aims and our everyday practice.
At least 56% of menstruators aged 18-24 in England don’t have access to period products; this is significantly higher in under supported areas. This prevents people from living their lives at a basic level – not being able to attend education, school or even leave the house. with the current “cost-of-living crisis” we want to support more people to keep themselves and their families well, and are constantly campaigning and striving to do this.
Some of the campaigns we have taken a part in:
The scrapping of the period pants tax in 2024 represents a significant victory for menstrual equity advocates. This tax, which imposed financial burdens on reusable period underwear, was successfully abolished due to the efforts of organizations like Freedom4Girls. Through advocacy campaigns and engagement with policymakers, these groups highlighted the importance of affordable menstrual products as a matter of human dignity and gender equality.
In 2021, the government had finally axed the infamous tampon tax (adding 5% VAT on menstrual products) and had pledged to end period poverty by 2030. However, these savings have largely been kept by businesses and not passed down to consumers. Period poverty is still at large in the UK. Plan International UK found in 2022, that one in 4 menstruators are struggling to afford menstrual products.
The Hygiene Bank has partnered with Who Gives a Crap, Freedom4Girls and Bloody Good Period to urge the Government to scrap the ‘roll tax’ on toilet paper. Did you know that toilet paper is considered a luxury item -subject to an extra 20% VAT, while things like helicopters are tax-free? New research from eco-friendly toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap reveals that 70% of the British public is unaware that VAT is charged on toilet roll, whilst caviar, helicopters, and marshmallow teacakes are all considered essentials, and are therefore VAT-free. Toilet paper is one of the most commonly used alternatives to period products used in desperate situations by those living in period poverty, and taxing toilet paper disadvantages those who are already living in poverty.