Period Poverty Persists: Australian Women Face Financial Strain and Health Risks
A stark reality is unfolding across the UK, with alarming new survey data revealing that more than one in ten women and individuals who menstruate struggled to afford essential period products in the past year. This persistent issue, known as period poverty, has forced some into desperate situations, including resorting to dangerous health practices like wearing tampons for longer than recommended, and even using makeshift materials such as newspaper.
The core of the problem lies in the escalating cost of living. With essential items like food and energy taking precedence, many are finding themselves unable to allocate funds for menstrual hygiene. The current economic climate, exacerbated by global events, has prompted ActionAid UK to issue a dire warning: the issue of period poverty risks becoming even more deeply entrenched in society.
A comprehensive survey, conducted by YouGov in January and polling 2,132 UK adults, highlighted the severity of the situation. It found that 11 per cent of women and those who menstruate faced difficulties affording period products for themselves or a dependent. The impact extends beyond mere financial strain, with a significant 22 per cent of this group reporting that they stayed at home as a direct consequence, indicating that period poverty is effectively excluding individuals from participating in public life.
The survey delved deeper into the difficult choices individuals were forced to make. Of those struggling to afford period products:
- A significant majority (64 per cent) reported prioritising the purchase of food over menstrual supplies.
- Two in five (40 per cent) had to allocate their limited funds to gas or electricity bills.
- More than a third (36 per cent) admitted to wearing single-use pads or tampons for extended periods.
- Over a quarter (27 per cent) resorted to using tissues or cotton wool as alternatives.
- A concerning 6 per cent resorted to using paper or newspaper.
These practices carry significant health risks. Wearing tampons for too long can increase the likelihood of serious bacterial infections, including the potentially life-threatening Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
A Global Issue with Profound Personal Impact
The problem of period poverty is not confined to the UK; it is a global crisis with far-reaching consequences. Ruby Raut, the founder and CEO of period pants company WUKA, which is collaborating with ActionAid, expressed her dismay. “In one of the richest countries in the world, people are still going without basic period products. That is not just shocking, it’s a failure,” she stated. Raut emphasised that period poverty hinders individuals’ participation in education, sports, and everyday life, posing health risks and limiting potential, all due to a natural bodily function. She passionately argued, “Access to period care is not a luxury – it’s a fundamental right. And until everyone can manage their period with dignity, we have more work to do.”
Raut’s own experiences underscore the global nature of this challenge. She recounted a distressing childhood in Nepal: “Imagine being 12, getting your first period… and instead of being comforted, you’re told you have to leave your home because you’re ‘unclean’. That was my reality growing up in Nepal. I had something to use, but I didn’t have dignity.” She further described the inadequate facilities at her school, where she had to resort to makeshift cloth, constantly fearing embarrassment if it fell out, which it sometimes did. “I’d feel so embarrassed, I would just go home,” she admitted. This formative experience led Raut to understand that period poverty encompasses more than just the absence of products; it involves shame, a lack of education, and the absence of safe spaces to manage menstruation. “And no girl should ever feel that way just for being on her period,” she concluded.
Beyond the inability to afford products, period poverty also encompasses a lack of access to fundamental resources. In countries like Malawi, a single pack of sanitary pads can cost more than a day’s wages. Globally, over 400 million children lack adequate toilet facilities at school, highlighting the broader infrastructure issues that contribute to menstrual insecurity.
Government Response and the Path Forward
In response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson for the UK government stated, “It is vital that all women and girls can access the care they need for their reproductive health, including period products.” The government has implemented measures such as making period products available in schools and colleges and offering them for free to individuals receiving NHS care, aiming to support the most vulnerable. Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that by boosting the living wage and investing in public services, the government is actively addressing the cost-of-living crisis and poverty, which inherently includes tackling period poverty, to ensure no one is deprived of essential items.
The ongoing dialogue and the stark findings from surveys like this emphasise the urgent need for continued efforts to eradicate period poverty. It is a multifaceted issue requiring systemic solutions, from ensuring affordable access to products to improving sanitation infrastructure and fostering open conversations about menstruation. The goal remains to ensure that no individual is held back from living a full and dignified life due to their period.
