Working to Eliminate Period Poverty

By Nicole Wainland

Did you know? In the US alone, 13.9 million people lack access to the proper feminine hygiene products and facilities, as opposed to 16.9 million people who menstruate in the US living in poverty. 2⁄3 of low-income women in the US have to decide between food and menstrual products (1). Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and education (1) and 20% of American girls will miss school at least once due to a lack of period protection (2).

Period poverty impacts girls in schools all across the United States. Many schools lack proper menstrual education. Only 21% of elementary schools provide puberty education, and 30% of women say they first knew of menstruation when they first started their period (2). Period Poverty has been linked to various health issues, such as depression, urinary tract infections, and more. Those who lack access to period products improvise with what they can - blankets, newspapers, and more. This leads to shame and guilt and even health issues related to the materials used in the replacement of proper feminine products (1).

So what can we do? Education and collaboration are key. By working with organizations that help promote women’s hygiene and distribute products helps tremendously. Once again, WONDER GIRLS has partnered with Girls Helping Girls Period, an organization that believes that menstrual health leads to overall health. They supply feminine products to food pantries, social service agencies, community groups, and more. They offer workshops and consulting on sustainable, affordable menstrual management solutions to individuals, schools, and companies (3). They are also credited for changing the laws in New Jersey, requiring that every public school provide free access to period products.

This month, as part of our community service initiative, Girls Helping Girls Period generously donated 10,000 pads to Wonder Girls. This contribution enables our girls to assemble emergency kits for distribution in girls' bathrooms and schools lacking essential resources. Additionally, we organized workshops focused on menstruation, fostering open discussions about the experiences women face each month.

So, how can you contribute? We encourage you to help educate girls too! Whether you have a daughter, niece, or are a mentor to young girls. We can provide them with proper guidance on how to use these products, along with valuable tips and advice. While periods can be a sensitive topic, with compassion and support, we can create a significant impact.

Citations:
1: Government of New Brunswick. "What Is Poverty?" Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, Government of New Brunswick, www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/esic/overview/content/what_is_poverty.html. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
2: "Period Poverty: The Facts. Period." Girls Helping Girls. Period., 2024. PDF.
3: Girls Helping Girls. Period. "At Girls Helping Girls. Period., We Believe That Menstruation Is a Health Issue, Not a Luxury." Girls Helping Girls. Period., www.girlshelpinggirlsperiod.org. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.