Period poverty: a global health and equality issue

Throughout history, women have always found ways to manage their menstruation, using everything from papyrus and moss to more modern materials like rayon, cotton, and plastic. Today, picking up a box of pads or tampons at the supermarket is a routine part of life for many. But for millions of the world’s four billion women, access to these essential products is far from guaranteed.

Period poverty isn’t just about the inability to afford menstrual products—it’s also about the lack of access to basic hygiene facilities and education. According to UNICEF, 2.3 billion people live in environments that don’t meet even the minimum standards of cleanliness. In less developed countries, only about one in four people have the “luxury” of washing their hands at home, which is especially problematic for those managing menstruation. This scarcity of resources leads to significant health risks, including infections, and forces many women and girls to miss school or work, perpetuating poverty and gender inequality.

What causes period poverty?

Period poverty stems from a combination of factors: high costs of menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and pervasive stigma. Menstrual products are prohibitively expensive for many, exacerbated by gender-blind policies and tax laws like the “pink tax” on feminine products. For example, in some places, sanitary products are taxed as luxury goods while other health products, like viagra, are tax-exempt. Additionally, over 1.5 billion people lack basic sanitation services, including private toilets. This absence forces many girls and women to stay home during their periods, leading to missed school or work. In rural areas, at least one in ten women and girls across 12 countries lacked a private place to wash and change during their last period. Stigma and lack of education also play significant roles. Menstruation is often shrouded in myths and taboos that lead to discrimination. In some communities, menstruating women are seen as dirty or untouchable, restricting their participation in daily activities. Moreover, many girls in countries like Bangladesh and Egypt are unaware of menstruation before it begins, leaving them unprepared and fearful.

Period poverty in Europe

The issue of period poverty is not confined to the developing world; it’s also a significant problem in Europe. A 2020 report found that one in ten women in the European Union is affected by period poverty. Hungary mirrors this EU average, with around ten percent of Hungarian women experiencing menstrual poverty.

According to organizations in Hungary, many women resort to using rags during their periods or avoid public transport, work, and school altogether on “those” days. Young girls are especially impacted—many obtain medical certificates to excuse their absences from school during their periods, but this high level of absenteeism negatively affects their academic performance and, ultimately, their future opportunities.

Why period poverty is hard to address

Despite its widespread impact, period poverty remains an often overlooked and underreported issue, largely due to stigma, silence, and lack of data. In many cultures, including Hungary, menstruation is still a taboo topic, which discourages open discussion and awareness, leaving many women to suffer in silence. This stigma makes the problem less visible and harder to address. Additionally, period poverty is often buried within broader categories of poverty or health issues in data collection efforts, and without specific surveys and studies focused on menstrual health, the true scale of the problem is difficult to measure.

The way forward

Organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs are working to bring period poverty to the forefront, advocating for improved access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education. However, much more needs to be done. Raising awareness, challenging stigmas, and pushing for policy changes are crucial steps in ensuring that all women, including those in Hungary, can manage their menstruation with dignity. Period poverty is not just a health issue; it’s a matter of human rights. By addressing it, we can help millions of women and girls live healthier, more empowered lives, whether they’re in Hungary, the broader EU, or beyond.

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