Menstrual Poverty

Menstrual poverty

Menstrual poverty is the term that encompasses not only the lack of access to female hygiene products, but also the difficulty of accessing the necessary facilities to hygienize correctly during the period that lasts its menstruation. And stigma and taboos, which add to menstrual poverty affects girls and adolescents in various aspects of their life: health, education and emotional well -being.

Likewise, in some countries, women or girls are considered "contaminated and impure" while they are menstruating and restrictions of all kinds are imposed. Worse, in certain places they cannot even enter the houses and they are confined to sheds where they suffer cold and isolation. In addition, these practices reinforce stigma and shame emanating from stereotypes that surround menstruation and that impact all aspects of life and enjoyment of human rights of women and girls. On the other hand, menstrual poverty is a derivation of economic poverty and the lack of perspective on the importance of inputs for menstruation management as essential products.

However, ‘the social inequalities that exist in the region cause many girls and adolescents, who do not have the necessary resources, manage their menstruation with not adequate methods or cannot manage it, which can lead to a negative impact on their confidence, development and participation in decision making, ‘says Janaina Hirata. This is corroborated in the Always brand study, carried out in Brazil, which revealed that the lack of resources for menstrual management damaged the confidence of 51% of the respondents.

In addition, it caused 37% of them to feel ashamed. In the same way, the rapporteurs urged the states to recognize that they have ignored the health and needs related to menstruation to the detriment of the physical and mental well -being of women and girls, who feel abandoned every time their period arrives, whatIt affects all the spheres of your life.

Finally, although some countries have abolished discriminatory practices and implemented policies to avoid them, there is a lot. "Much must be done to address health needs during menstruation," said experts and ordered to combat myths and erroneous ideas with broad educational campaigns that provide accessible, not prejudiced and precise information. In conclusion "States must take transformative measures in cooperation with UN agencies, women’s organizations and educational and business sectors"