Understanding The Inaccessibility Of Menstrual Care For Millions

Millions of girls and women worldwide struggle to access menstrual care due to economic disparities, cultural taboos, and inadequate education. These barriers make a basic necessity inaccessible for many.

This article originally appeared at UN Women.

Menstrual products can be prohibitively expensive for low-income families, leading some women to use unhygienic alternatives, risking health issues. Cultural taboos and stigma often prevent girls from attending school or daily activities, perpetuating gender inequality. A lack of menstrual education further complicates their ability to manage periods safely and confidently.

Period poverty, the inability to afford menstrual products and sanitation, impacts millions globally. High costs, gender-blind policies, and the “pink tax” exacerbate the issue. Over 1.5 billion people lack basic sanitation, complicating menstrual hygiene management, especially in rural areas where women may use cloth instead of sanitary pads.

Stigma and myths around menstruation lead to social exclusion. In many cultures, menstruating women are seen as “untouchable,” restricting their participation in daily life. This issue affects both rich and poor countries, with urban women more likely to use sanitary pads than those in rural areas.

Crises and conflicts worsen the problem. Displaced women often lack privacy and menstrual products, as seen in Gaza, where over 540,000 women and girls of reproductive age lack hygiene items. Addressing period poverty requires improving access to affordable products, education, and sanitation facilities to ensure all women and girls manage their menstrual health with dignity.

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