Rice University's premier undergraduate journal of scholarship in domestic and international policy.
Riya Seth
Mar 22, 2023
Breaking Down Barriers to Menstrual Access
Period poverty is a real and pressing issue that affects a large number of women and girls within the US. Period poverty refers to when someone cannot afford menstrual products, or they have to choose between buying food, paying rent, or buying menstrual products. Menstruation is a natural biological process that affects half of the world's population, yet many women and girls still face challenges in accessing the necessary products and resources to manage their menstrual cycles. The United States Government has a crucial role to play in addressing this issue. Following the model of Scotland, the first country in the world to make period products free to all who need them, through the Period Products Act of 2021, the US Government should provide free menstrual products in all public schools from 6th-12th grade, in public universities, and in other public buildings (Scottish Government, 2021).
Period poverty can have a significant impact on education, health, and future prospects. 1 in 5 girls has reported missing school due to a lack of menstrual products (Kilpatrick & Sidonie, 2020). By providing free period products in schools, the government can help to reduce period poverty and ensure that all girls have access to the products they need to manage their periods with dignity.
Next, providing free period products in schools is an important step toward promoting gender equality. Within the US, menstruation is still a taboo subject, and women and girls are often stigmatized and discriminated against. In a survey of women in the United States, nearly 70% reported feeling embarrassed to talk about their periods ("Nearly Half of Us Women," n.d.). Providing free period products in schools can help to break down these cultural barriers. In fact, a report published by UNESCO entitled "Behind the numbers: ending school violence and bullying" recommends that governments provide free menstrual products in schools as a way to reduce stigma and improve access to education for girls. The report notes that "providing free and accessible menstrual hygiene products in schools helps to normalize menstruation, reduce stigma, and ensure that girls are able to fully participate in their education and other activities during menstruation"(UNESCO, 2019).
Moreover, providing free period products in schools can have a positive impact on academic performance. When girls have access to period products, they are able to attend school with confidence and focus on their studies. They are less likely to miss school or drop out, which can have a long-lasting impact on their education. A study in Kenya found that providing girls with menstrual products improved school attendance rates by 25% (Wesangula, 2017). A similar study found that providing menstrual education and products led to a nearly 50% reduction in school absenteeism (Vashisht 2018). There are significant socioeconomic and social factors that differ between Kenya and the United States, which could affect the impact of providing free menstrual products in schools. However, the referenced studies provide evidence that access to menstrual products can have a positive impact on school attendance and academic performance, which suggests that similar benefits could be seen in the United States.
Furthermore, there have been some smaller-scale studies conducted in the United States that suggest that providing menstrual products in schools can have a positive impact on attendance and academic performance. A study conducted in New York City found that providing free menstrual products in schools led to a 2.4% increase in attendance rates, and a study conducted in Philadelphia found that providing menstrual products led to a significant decrease in absenteeism among low-income students (Weiss-Wolf 2017).
While the social and economic factors that impact menstrual equity in the United States are complex and multifaceted, there is evidence to suggest that providing free menstrual products in schools can have a positive impact on attendance and academic performance. Therefore, it is important for policymakers to consider implementing such policies as part of a comprehensive strategy to address menstrual equity in the United States.
Additionally, providing free-period products in schools can be cost-effective in the long term. Period products can help to reduce healthcare costs associated with menstrual-related health issues. Research has shown that inadequate access to menstrual products can lead to health problems such as infections and other gynecological issues, which can require medical attention that incur healthcare costs. Providing free menstrual products in schools can help to prevent such health issues, reducing the need for medical treatment and associated healthcare costs (Sommer et al. 2017).
Finally, providing free menstrual products in schools can help to reduce the burden on low-income families. This can help to reduce financial stress and improve overall economic well-being (Chakravarty and Vanneman 2009). By alleviating the financial burden of menstrual products, families may have more resources to invest in other areas such as education, healthcare, and basic necessities.
Providing free period products in schools is an important step towards reducing period poverty, promoting gender equality, improving academic performance, and raising awareness about menstrual health. The government has a crucial role to play in addressing this issue and can have a positive impact on the lives of countless women and girls by investing in menstrual health. By providing free period products in schools, the US government can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where all girls have access to the resources they need to manage their periods with dignity.
References
Chakravarty, S., & Vanneman, R. (2009). Education and earnings in India: Is there a returns on
education? International Journal of Educational Development, 29(1), 1-14.
Kilpatrick, Ashley Rapp, and Sidonie. “Changing the Cycle: Period Poverty as a Public Health
Crisis.” U, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 4 Feb. 2020, https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2020posts/period-poverty.html.
“Nearly Half of Us Women Have Experienced 'Period Shaming'.” MHDay,
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