Period poverty is still a problem for too many women in the UK
As women we know the discomfort our monthly (not always) menstrual cycle can bring. Not only is the discomfort physical but the fluctuation of hormones can bring problems of its own. For many women their period hinders them from work, physical activities and sometimes even social interactions. The onset of a period can also bring a financial burden—having to choose between food or sanitary products. In fact, UK-based charity Bloody Good Period has found that the lifetime cost of menstruation, on average, can amount to £4,800—an absolutely astounding cost.
Who does period poverty affect?
Women in refugee camps
According to statistics from Period Poverty (who provide appropriate menstruation care for women and girls who can’t afford it), over 12 million female refugees worldwide have little or no access to appropriate sanitary protection. Desperation drives many women to tearing strips of clothing to provide protection.
Female students
Fear, shame and embarrassment have led many young women to suffer in silence when it comes to their periods. Not understanding their own bodies also causes confusion in young girls when they first start their periods and this leads to not wanting to speak about it. Not being able to afford sanitary protection also causes numerous problems for young women. Many of these issues lead to absences from school, college or University which can ultimately affect the quality of life these women will be able to lead.
Homeless women
When food and shelter is a priority, finding appropriate sanitary protection just simply isn’t. This is the case for many homeless women, having to choose between food, sanitary towels or just going without.
Women in low income employment
Many women are forced to choose between sanitary products and food for their families. This is a problem that affects millions of women across the UK.
Period poverty affects many other groups, but data shows these groups are most at risk.
Low quality sanitary products
Due to proper sanitary protection being so expensive, many women also resort to low quality and often toxic products. A lack of access to clean soap and water with which to clean themselves can leave many women feeling extremely uncomfortable during their periods and can lead to more complicated issues. Being able to change their sanitary towels in a safe, private space or even changing these frequently is also a luxury many women simply can’t afford. A lack of proper and hygienic care during menstruation can result in complicated health issues such as urinary tract infections, an increased risk of cervical cancer, hepatitis B and yeast infections which can lead to complications in the future.
What is being done to fight period poverty in the UK?
- Governments across the UK have now recognised period poverty as an issue and are making strides to tackle it.
- The abolition of VAT (“tampon tax”) on sanitary products in England on 1st January 2021 has made products slightly more accessible for many women and girls.
- Scotland has also become the first country to make sanitary products free.
- NHS England has committed to providing free sanitary products to women and girls in hospital
- All students at schools, colleges and universities in the UK should have access to free sanitary products (as of 2020).
- Some local authorities have also been providing access to free sanitary products for all staff and users.
These are huge strides for women’s health, however there is still so much more work to be done in this area. Many charities accept financial contributions but also donations of sanitary products and volunteers to drive local initiatives. Lots of work is also required to provide education to both boys and girls to break the shame, fear and misunderstanding associated with periods.
Some charities and social enterprises we can support:
“Periods are a normal part of life. It is increasingly recognised that good menstrual health is an essential component to wellbeing” – Royal College of Nursing
Sources:
https://yoppie.com/period-poverty
https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/womens-health/promoting-menstrual-wellbeing/period-poverty
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/period-poverty-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-53236870
https://www.heydaycare.com/5-health-risks-of-poor-menstrual-hygiene/
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Written by Kristen Bingle
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