You've probably heard the term "period poverty" tossed around, but what does it actually mean? It's not just about running out of period essentials. It's about not being able to afford period products at all. And it's a bigger deal than you think.
A recent survey by Share the Dignity called the Bloody Big Survey revealed some alarming stats about period poverty. Over 150,000 people shared their experiences, and the results were not great…
- Cost is a significant issue: 64% of respondents couldn't afford period products.
- Economic impact: Missing work due to periods costs the economy $9.6 billion annually.
- Beyond the cost: The survey also showed how periods impact people's lives in other ways, like missing school or sports due to anxiety or feeling judged at work.
But what can we actually do? How can we help? Well, for starters, let's talk about it. Loudly. We – collectively – need to push for systemic change: We must make period products accessible to everyone. We must work on breaking the stigma around periods and continue to support organizations like Share the Dignity to help make a real difference in the lives of those who menstruate and who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, or poverty.
Read more on Share the Dignity and educate yourself with their findings from The Big Bloody Survey.
