The Journey to Ending Period Poverty for Women and Girls

The Journey to Ending Period Poverty for Women and Girls

Introduction

Period destitution is when women and girls need money-related assets or get period items like menstrual glasses, cushions, or tampons. Period destitution is as much a matter of not knowing and not having suitable items, but moreover a lack of instruction, offices, and winning disgrace for a monthly cycle. We should educate people, improve product availability, and rethink the way we look at menstruation to end period poverty.

What is period poverty?

Period poverty impacts millions of women and girls, especially in poorer regions and developing nations. Girls across the country during their period miss school because they don’t have sanitary products to use; they’re too embarrassed to go to school because of the stigmas around it. This means that they miss out on education, and it can have an impact on their health and opportunities later in life. Women’s menstrual health NGOs are working resolutely to address these issues by giving access to menstrual items and instructions and breaking the shame surrounding the monthly cycle.

Main Causes of Period Poverty

  • Expensive Menstrual Products: Many women and girls can’t manage sanitary items since they are costly.
  • Shame Around Menstruation: The monthly cycle is regularly seen as an unthinkable subject, which makes it difficult to have a conversation about it transparently or look for and offer assistance.
  • Lack of Proper Facilities: In a few regions, there aren’t sufficient clean toilets or waste transfer choices for menstrual items, making it harder for women hygiene and girls to manage their periods cleanly.

The Importance of Education

It is important in curbing period poverty. Lacking information, the girls might not know how to maintain themselves while on their periods, resulting in health issues. Educating girls and boys helps end the stigma and build a helpful environment.

Why Menstrual Health Education is Important

  • Breaking the Taboo: Learning helps normalize menstruation as an okay thing to discuss and erases shame.
  • Better Hygiene: Proper feminine hygiene education prevents infection and maintains the health of girls.
  • Building Support: Educating girls and boys can contribute to greater comprehension and support for menstruators.

Making Menstrual Products Accessible

An enormous portion of tackling period poverty is guaranteeing that women and girls can get reasonable and good-quality menstrual items. Governments, organizations, and businesses must work together to make these items more accessible.

Ways to Improve Access

  • Menstrual products that are affordable: Governments as well as companies can aid in reducing the price of menstrual products or offer them at no cost at public and school facilities.
  • The free products: Providing free items in community centers or schools can help ease the financial burden of girls and women.
  • Green Products: Recycling goods such as menstrual cups and pads is an affordable and long-term solution.

Changing Society’s Views on Menstruation

To end the period of destitution, we must moreover alter how society sees the feminine cycle. The monthly cycle ought to be recognized as an ordinary portion of life, not something to be embarrassed by. Changing demeanors almost every period will offer assistance and guarantee that the monthly cycle is not a boundary to education, well-being, or nobility.

Steps to Change Society’s Attitude

  • Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can educate people and decrease the stigma associated with menstrual cycles.
  • Policy Changes: Governments have to incorporate menstrual health into public health programs and educate about it in schools.
  • Community Support: Community-based programs that offer menstrual products or facilitate workshops are able to help those in need and also change the way that menstruation is viewed.

Conclusion

Tending to period destitution is one of numerous steps toward making strides in the lives of women and girls. Through women’s hygiene programs, we can guarantee that each girl and woman can oversee their monthly cycle with respect by upgrading access to menstrual items, providing instruction, and normalizing society around the feminine cycle. Making period destitution history will offer assistance to all women and girls to thrive and move us one step closer to a society where all people are treated the same and with dignity. We will make a world where no one should persevere since they do not have access to menstrual items.

Also Read: The Power of Education to Transform a Child’s Life

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is period poverty?
    The term “period poverty” refers to the need to get access to reasonable menstrual products, resulting in a potential compromise in cleanliness and well-being.
  2. Why does period poverty matter concerning education?
    This ends up affecting their academic performance, as girls might skip school during their menstruation due to not having any products.
  3. How To Tackle Period Poverty?
    By offering affordable products, teaching about menstruation, and minimizing stigma through education.
  4. How do they help, sustainable menstrual products?
    Reusable options such as menstrual cups and cloth pads might seem more expensive at first but are cost-effective and sustainable in the long run.

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Dr. L. S. Acharya


Dr. L. S. Acharya, a distinguished personality born and raised in Gokul, Uttar Pradesh, has dedicated his life to social service and education. With a rich background as a junior college lecturer, he has been a beacon of inspiration, particularly in motivating young minds to champion causes like menstrual hygiene awareness. As the Commissioner of St. John Ambulance Brigade in Uttar Pradesh, an Executive Member of the State Red Cross Management Committee, and a Member of the National Disaster Response Team of India under IFRC/ICRC in New Delhi, Dr. Acharya has consistently demonstrated his commitment to social responsibility. His vast experience and dedication to humanitarian causes make him an invaluable mentor for our organization

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Dr. Reeta Bhargav


Dr. Reeta Bhargav, a dedicated educator and social advocate, has been a driving force behind our initiatives since 2018. As the Principal of Bhabha Public School and a former member of the Rajasthan State Commission for Women, she has played a crucial role in expanding our reach to schools and educational institutions. Dr. Bhargav's expertise extends beyond education; she is also a strong advocate for women's rights, providing guidance on legal matters and actively participating in social initiatives. Her leadership and commitment to empowering women and fostering education make her an invaluable mentor to our organization.

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Dr. Shailja Jain


Dr. Shailja Jain, a renowned gynecologist and founder member of Rohit Hospital, Jaipur, is a cornerstone of our organization's efforts. Her expertise in women's health, particularly menstrual hygiene, is invaluable to our mission. Dr. Jain is actively involved in our initiatives, always available to offer her guidance and support. Her commitment to improving women's health and well-being makes her an essential mentor and trusted advisor to our organization.

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Swati Sharma


Swati Sharma is an army veteran and presently Commandant as Rajasthan Home Guards Services. She was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2006 and after serving for 5 years she opted out and then got selected as Deputy Commandant by RPSC.
After a decade of service, she won the Chevening Scholarship and completed Masters in Risk, Disaster, and Resilience from UCL. She came back from London in October 2022.

During her service, she got a few prestigious awards like the DGCD Commendation Disc.

Swati belongs to Ajmer and completed her schooling at St. Mary's Convent and B. Sc. from Sophia Girls College, Ajmer.

She has done 10m Air Pistol shooting and won bronze in State level tournament.

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