Women and girls deserve to feel respected and dignified during their periods. In poverty, refugee camps, or during armed conflicts, this is often not possible. At People in Peril, we are working to change this with our Real Gift of Menstrual pads.
What Is Menstrual Poverty?
Menstrual poverty refers to the situation where individuals lack sufficient financial resources to meet their basic menstrual needs. Broadly, this includes lack of access to clean water, pain relief, and proper underwear. Poor families often prioritize food, water, and heating over menstrual comfort, leaving girls and women without essential supplies.
In some countries, menstrual products are difficult to obtain. Women resort to unsuitable alternatives such as cotton wool, newspaper, torn cloth, or sponges—materials that pose serious health risks, including urinary and reproductive infections.
Barriers to School and Work
The unavailability of menstrual products makes it harder for girls to attend school regularly. Repeated absences can lead to lower grades, reduced educational attainment, and fewer opportunities for well-paying jobs. For women, menstruation can also hinder work participation, worsening their living conditions and financial stability.
A Topic That Is Often Not Discussed
In many cultures, menstruation remains a taboo subject, rarely discussed openly at home or school. Girls often learn about it only when they experience their first period. Families avoid talking about menstruation in front of men or use euphemisms, and widespread misinformation describes it as unclean. This perpetuates negative perceptions and neglects women’s needs.
Girls and women should understand that menstruation is a natural, healthy part of life, essential for body’s proper functioning. Society must provide quality education on sexual and menstrual health for both girls and boys.
The Need for Personal Hygiene in Emergencies
Hygiene is a fundamental human right linked to dignity. Feeling clean and wearing fresh clothes is important for comfort and well-being. During emergencies such as natural disasters or conflicts, access to sanitary supplies and water is often limited. Making menstrual supplies available in humanitarian aid packages and refugee camps is vital to help women and girls maintain hygiene and dignity.
A Story from Iraq
We worked in northern Iraq for several years on education initiatives. While renovating schools, we observed that many girls did not attend school during their periods. The shared, temporary toilets could not be locked, making girls feel unsafe and uncomfortable. We helped renovate these toilets to ensure privacy and hygiene, enabling girls to attend school throughout their periods.
Support women and girls with a Real Gift of Menstrual pads.
Thank you for your support.
