In the global fight against period poverty, millions of women and girls face challenges in affording menstrual products and accessing adequate water and sanitation facilities to manage their menstrual health and hygiene. This issue transcends borders, impacting individuals worldwide and hindering their educational, occupational, and overall well-being. Despite menstruation being a natural biological process, the financial burden and lack of resources associated with it continue to marginalize women and girls.

Period poverty, characterized by the inability to afford menstrual products and access essential sanitation facilities and education on menstrual health, represents a significant barrier to gender equality. The root causes of this phenomenon are multifaceted, stemming from societal stigma, exorbitant costs of menstrual products, and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. Discriminatory policies, such as the imposition of taxes on feminine hygiene products while exempting essentials like Viagra, exacerbate the financial strain on menstruating individuals.

Furthermore, the lack of private sanitation facilities, with over 1.5 billion people globally lacking access to basic services like private toilets, poses a substantial challenge. This deficiency forces many girls to miss school and women to forgo work during their periods. Insufficient awareness and education on menstrual health further compound the issue, leaving many girls unprepared and unaware of proper menstrual hygiene practices. This gap in knowledge extends to policymakers and adults in decision-making roles, perpetuating a cycle of inadequate menstrual education.

In various parts of the world, cultural norms and taboos surrounding menstruation amplify the stigma faced by menstruating individuals. Myths and misconceptions contribute to the isolation and discrimination experienced by girls and women during their periods. The lack of information and support in communities like Bangladesh and Egypt underscores the urgent need for comprehensive menstrual education to dispel harmful beliefs and promote menstrual health and hygiene.

Period poverty affects women and girls across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, with disparities in access to menstrual products based on income and urban versus rural residence. In countries like the United States, a significant proportion of teens and adults struggle to afford period products, particularly those from marginalized communities. The issue extends beyond national borders, with conflict-affected regions facing additional challenges in ensuring menstrual hygiene management amidst crises and displacement.

During humanitarian crises, the health and dignity of women and girls are often overlooked, with limited access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. In conflict zones like Gaza and Lebanon, the unavailability and high costs of menstrual products exacerbate the plight of women and girls, jeopardizing their well-being and dignity. Urgent action is needed to address the systemic barriers perpetuating period poverty and safeguard the rights and health of menstruating individuals globally.