How Period Poverty Puts Girls’ Health, Education and Dignity at Risk

For many girls in low-income communities, the cost of sanitary pads makes managing menstruation difficult and unsafe. Some resort to old rags, tissue, newspapers or other unhygienic materials, while many schools lack clean water, private toilets and disposal facilities. A medical officer said period poverty can expose girls to irritation, infections, pain, anxiety and shame. Fear of leaks or teasing can also cause girls to miss classes, withdraw from school activities and struggle academically. He called for affordable or free menstrual products, better water and sanitation facilities in schools, menstrual-health education for girls and boys, trained support staff and policies that reduce the cost of pads. He also urged communities to challenge harmful stigma and restrictions around menstruation.

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