Fight Period Poverty

What is Period Poverty?

Definition:

Period poverty is the inability to afford or access essential menstrual products and facilities, such as sanitary pads, tampons, clean water, and private spaces for changing

Examples:

Lack of Menstrual Products: Many low-income individuals use improvised, unhygienic materials due to the high cost of menstrual products
Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Schools and workplaces often lack clean, private facilities, leading to absenteeism and discomfort
Limited Education: Stigma and taboo around menstruation result in a lack of proper menstrual health education

Impact:

Education: Girls miss school during their periods, leading to learning loss and higher dropout rates
Health: Using unhygienic materials can cause infections and other health issues
Stigma: Social stigma leads to exclusion and mental health challenges

Solutions:

Provide affordable menstrual products
Improve sanitation facilities in schools and public places
Educate communities to reduce stigma and promote menstrual health

2023 STATISTICS

Nearly 1 in 4 students in the United States have struggled to afford period products. 

44% of teens report experiencing stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access to period products. 

92% of teens believe periods should be recognized as an indicator of good health rather than as something dirty or gross, which is a 7-point increase from 2021. 

78% of teens agree that menstrual health education should be part of the core curriculum, just like math.

The Widespread impact of period poverty on US Students. Commissioned by Thinx & PERIOD. (October 2023)

MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT

Many young women struggle to afford menstrual health products to meet their monthly needs, which can negatively impact their mental well-being. Improved access to affordable menstrual products is crucial to support these young women.

According to the findings, 14.2% of women experienced period poverty at some point in the past year, while an additional 10% faced it every month.

An adjusted analysis revealed that women who experienced monthly period poverty in the past year were most likely to report moderate to severe depression, followed by those who had experienced it at any time in the past year, compared to those who had never faced period poverty.

BMC Women's Health (2021)

CRAMPUS SURVEY STATS

This study was independently designed and conducted without bias by YouGov. Surveys were conducted online among a representative sample of Canadians and Americans aged 18 and older. The results have been weighted to be representative of all US and Canadian adults in this age group.

Over one in three (37%) American adults who menstruate report that they or their families have struggled to afford menstrual products. Similarly, 3 in 10 Canadian adults who menstruate report that they or their families have faced this issue.

This study has been independently designed & conducted without bias by YouGov Surveys were conducted online among a representative sample of Canadians and Americans aged 18+