SUPPORT A CAUSE
Search
Close this search box.
DONATE
SMILE-FOUNDATION-LOGO-e1662456150120-1.png

Tag: #periodpoverty

Categories
Women Empowerment

Don’t like the word ‘period poverty’ and can menstrual cups end it?

Don't like the word ‘period poverty’ and can menstrual cups end it?
Don't like the word ‘period poverty’ and can menstrual cups end it?

In recent years, discussions surrounding menstruation and its socio-economic implications have gained momentum worldwide. However, one term that often sparks debate within this discourse is “period poverty.” While the phrase aims to shed light on the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products due to economic constraints, many find it inadequate in capturing the complexity and dignity of the issue. The term “period poverty” may fall short and explore how menstrual cups emerge as a sustainable solution to address the challenges associated with menstruation.

Understanding Period Poverty

Period poverty refers to the inability of individuals to afford or access menstrual hygiene products, leading to adverse consequences such as compromised health, limited educational opportunities, and social stigma. Across the globe, millions of individuals, particularly those from marginaliSed communities, face challenges in managing their menstruation due to financial constraints.

However, critics argue that the term “period poverty” reduces a multifaceted issue to a singular economic dimension, overlooking the broader systemic inequalities and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. Moreover, it fails to acknowledge the dignity and agency of individuals experiencing menstruation-related challenges.

Challenges with the Term “Period Poverty”

  1. Stigmatization: The term “period poverty” inadvertently perpetuates stigma by framing menstruation as a condition of poverty rather than a natural bodily process. This framing can further marginalise individuals experiencing menstruation-related challenges, contributing to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
  2. Lack of Agency: By focusing solely on economic constraints, the term “period poverty” overlooks the agency of individuals in managing their menstruation. It fails to recognise the diverse needs and preferences of menstruators and reinforces a paternalistic approach to addressing menstrual health.
  3. Limited Scope: While economic barriers play a significant role in menstrual health inequities, they are only one aspect of a complex web of factors contributing to the problem. Issues such as inadequate access to education, healthcare, and sanitation infrastructure also intersect with menstruation, requiring a more comprehensive approach to address them effectively.

Menstrual Cups: A Sustainable Solution?

Amidst discussions about period poverty, menstrual cups have emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges associated with menstruation. These reusable, silicone-based cups offer several advantages over traditional menstrual hygiene products like pads and tampons –

  1. Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost of a menstrual cup may be higher than disposable products, its reusable nature makes it a cost-effective option in the long run. A single menstrual cup can last for several years with proper care, eliminating the need for monthly purchases of pads or tampons.
  2. Environmentally Friendly: Menstrual cups significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with menstruation. Unlike disposable products that contribute to plastic waste and pollution, menstrual cups are reusable and produce minimal waste. This eco-friendly aspect aligns with broader sustainability goals and promotes responsible consumption.
  3. Health Benefits: Menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone, a hypoallergenic material that minimizes the risk of irritation and infection. Unlike tampons, which can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), menstrual cups offer a safer and more comfortable alternative for menstruators.
  4. Empowerment and Autonomy: By choosing menstrual cups, individuals gain greater control over their menstrual health and hygiene. They can make informed decisions based on their unique needs and preferences, reclaiming agency over a fundamental aspect of their bodily experience.

Promoting Menstrual Cup Adoption in Rural India

In rural parts of India, where access to menstrual hygiene products is limited, raising awareness about menstrual cups can be transformative. By educating young girls and women about the benefits of menstrual cups, we can empower them to make informed choices about their menstrual health.

Community-based initiatives, led by local organisations and women’s groups, play a crucial role in disseminating information about menstrual cups and dispelling myths and misconceptions. Workshops, awareness campaigns, and peer-to-peer education programs can help normalise the use of menstrual cups and challenge stigma surrounding menstruation.

Furthermore, providing access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products, including menstrual cups, through government programs and community distribution networks can ensure equitable access for all menstruators, regardless of their socio-economic status.

By addressing the barriers to menstrual health and promoting the adoption of menstrual cups, we can not only end period poverty but also empower women and girls to lead healthier, more dignified lives.

Conclusion

While the term “period poverty” may have limitations in capturing the complexities of menstruation-related challenges, it serves as a starting point for broader conversations about menstrual health equity. By adopting a more holistic and inclusive approach, we can address the systemic inequalities and cultural taboos that perpetuate menstruation-related stigma and marginalisation.

Menstrual cups offer a sustainable solution to the challenges associated with menstruation, empowering individuals to manage their periods with dignity and autonomy. By promoting access to menstrual cups and comprehensive menstrual health education, we can work towards a future where menstruation is celebrated as a natural and healthy part of life, free from stigma and discrimination.

Through collective efforts and advocacy, we can create a world where all individuals have equitable access to menstrual health resources and support, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background. Together, we can end period poverty and build a more inclusive and empowering future for menstruators worldwide.

Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman programme aims to address the challenges of menstrual health and hygiene, particularly in marginalised communities across India. Through Swabhiman, we foundation conduct menstrual health awareness workshops, distributes menstrual hygiene products, and provides access to affordable and sustainable solutions like menstrual cups.

By empowering women and girls with knowledge about menstrual health and offering practical solutions, the initiative strives to break the barriers of stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation. Through community engagement and partnerships with local organisations, Swabhiman tries to ensure that menstruators of every age have the resources and support they need to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.

Categories
Health Women Empowerment

Why Period Poverty In India Needs A Proper Discussion?

Why Period Poverty In India Needs A Proper Discussion?
Why Period Poverty In India Needs A Proper Discussion?

We have all heard of the taboos associated with menstruation or periods in India. A natural process like the menstrual cycle is still discussed in hushed voices. Even today, reports of women subjected to isolation during their periods, appear in the media. It has been a long-discussed topic. 

However, another big challenge associated with this is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Women start experiencing a regular period cycle once they reach 11 or 12 years of age. They live with it as a part of their daily lives for decades.

This makes it an extremely important area to improve. Poor access to menstrual hygiene services and products impacts every woman, and that too as frequently as once a month. Even then, period poverty is still a major issue in India. 

But, period poverty is not just about poor access to resources. It is also about a lack of awareness and knowledge. So, before we talk about why we need a discussion around period poverty, let us first understand what it means.

What is Period Poverty?

Simply put, period poverty is the set of challenges a menstruating woman faces in accessing or affording menstrual products. It also refers to the lack of information about the issue. This further perpetuates archaic traditions, customs, and dogmatic thinking around periods. 

According to data, one in five girls has to quit school every year because of poor access to menstrual hygiene products. For those who continue, 40% have to skip classes during their period days which has a serious negative impact on their education and classroom performance.

The misinformation about women’s menstrual cycle is so prevalent event today that 70% of mothers still consider it dirty. All these problems are further exacerbated due to the financial constraints that women coming from poor households face. 

More Data On Women Menstruation and Period Poverty

Data shows that around 50% of women in India still use menstrual clothes during their periods. Only around 1.7% of women use products like tampons. Also, the use of sanitary napkins is directly proportional to the income level of families. In the poorest families, only around 53% of women use hygienic menstrual products.

Another study shows that 71% of girls in India are not aware of women period cycle or menstruation before their first periods. Many people in rural India don’t practice proper menstruation hygiene. 

Things are challenging since there is a lack of proper restrooms, menstrual products, and water. 15000 of the 10.83 lakh government schools in the nation do not have restrooms, according to official statistics. The problem for so many teenage menstruators is worsened by the conspicuous lack of sanitary facilities.

All of these factors can be influenced and improved if we work towards them with sincerity. This is why period poverty in India needs a proper discussion today. Data has shown that women who have more than 12 years of schooling are most likely to use hygienic methods during menstruation. 

At the same time, those who have no exposure to schooling are least likely to do the same. All of these facts highlight how critical the problem of period poverty in India is. It is directly related to the affordability of people, public infrastructure, education, and awareness of the issue in society.

Women Menstruation and Period Poverty: Solutions?

Now that we understand the challenges related to women’s menstruation and the concept of period poverty, the question to ask is – how can we overcome these challenges? Are there no solutions to these problems? Certainly, the answer to this is – yes, there are. 

All the problems that we highlighted above are solvable, provided we have the determination to take the necessary steps in the right direction. But to do that, we must first agree upon the fact that addressing period poverty is one of the biggest priorities for any country today. 

In today’s modern world, where technology like Artificial Intelligence is paving the way for transformative changes, we cannot deprive our women of a basic right like access to quality menstrual hygiene.

So, to fight all these challenges, we must look at these steps:

Challenge The Taboo

The cultural barrier is still one of the biggest in India and other societies as well. Because there is an associated element of shame with periods, it stops any productive conversation around it from happening openly. Therefore, the first step should be to annihilate these cultural barriers that make it difficult for women to even access necessary knowledge around periods.

Encourage Conversations Around Women Menstruation

Once the taboos are removed, the next step should be to start an open and honest conversation. Everyone, including boys, needs education about periods. This will not only help them empathise but will also create a more equitable society for women where they can talk about menstruation openly with their male family members and friends.

Bring Policy-level Changes

While social and cultural changes are important, what we also need desperately is strong policies from the government. If we do not have policies that favor women in this area, like providing subsidies on menstrual hygiene products or distributing free products to women living in poverty, then we will not be able to eliminate period poverty. 

Policies like making period products available in schools, public spaces, etc., at affordable prices will significantly improve access.

Promote Sustainable Alternatives

Sanitary pads are among the most preferred menstrual hygiene products. However, they are also environmentally damaging. At the same time, women have to use multiple pads during one period cycle depending upon their flow. This means, one woman may end up using around 10 sanitary napkins in a month. This can be very expensive for anyone who cannot afford to spend so much money. 

Therefore, sustainable products like menstrual cups, which are made of silicone and may last up to 12 years, should be promoted and sold at subsidized prices. Since they can be used many times, they are cheaper in the long run and also cause less damage to the environment.

Support from NGOs

Many non-government organisations, including Smile Foundation, are already working in this area to reduce period poverty in rural as well as urban spaces. What we need is to expand the reach and take these initiatives to more and more people. This way, we will be able to eliminate period poverty faster. 

However, this can be achieved only with the help and support of generous donors. Therefore, a proper discussion around period poverty only can create opportunities for everyone to come together and work towards its eradication.

Search
Close this search box.