Breaking the Silence: Confronting Period Poverty and Stigma

Shama Khanam

Period poverty is a critical global public health issue, characterised by the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, sanitation facilities, hygiene resources, and education necessary for effective menstrual health management. This crisis affects millions, perpetuating stigma and discrimination against menstruating individuals, including women, transgender men, and non-binary people, while infringing on their fundamental rights every month.

Every month, over two billion people menstruate globally, yet a significant portion of them lack access to affordable menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and education.

Period poverty force individuals to use unsafe substitutes like old rags, tissues, husks, ash, leaves, mud, and even soil.According to a joint report by UNICEF and WHO, these barriers not only exacerbate health disparities but also entrench gender inequality, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disempowerment. It is high time that policymakers, activists, and society at large address this pervasive issue with urgency and compassion.

The Voice of the Silenced

To truly grasp the emotional and societal impact of menstruation stigma, one must listen to the voices of those affected. The following poem captures the essence of this deeply ingrained injustice while reminding us of the resilience and power of menstruating individuals:

“The crimson flow that graces my veins,

A rhythm of nature, not cause for shame.

It cleanses my soul, it heals my pain,

Yet you see it as filth, a mark of disdain.

For seven days, I’m cast aside,

Untouched, unworthy, my hands denied.

From utensils, from prayers, from love so dear,

As if my essence instills your fear.

But listen, dear world, and hear me speak,

This flow is strength, not something weak.

It’s the cradle of life, the seed of new birth,

A gift from my body, a gift to the Earth.

To all the women, stand tall, take pride,

This is not a burden, nor a secret to hide.

It’s not a disease, but nature’s embrace,

The source of humanity’s very trace.

So break these chains, these ancient lies,

Let understanding and respect arise.

For the blood that flows is pure, divine,

Not a crime but a sacred sign”

           —Shama

The Cost of Stigma and Silence

The stigma surrounding menstruation is perhaps its most insidious aspect. Cultural taboos and misconceptions often portray menstruation as impure or dirty, isolating individuals and subjecting them to societal ostracism. In some parts of the world, menstruating individuals are banned from kitchens, temples, and even their own homes, as vividly depicted in the Indian film Padman. These discriminatory practices are not merely relics of tradition they are active barriers to equality and dignity.

The consequences of period poverty ripple across all aspects of life. In education, millions of young girls drop out of school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene facilities. A study by Dasra revealed that nearly 23 million girls in India alone abandon their education annually after beginning menstruation. At workplaces, women in countries like Bangladesh report missing an average of six days a month due to period-related challenges. Such disparities highlight how a basic biological function can derail aspirations and opportunities, furthering gender inequity.

India: A Microcosm of a Global Crisis

India, home to one of the largest adolescent populations in the world, offers a glaring case study of period poverty. Shockingly, 71% of adolescent girls are unaware of menstruation until they experience it for the first time. This lack of awareness stems from inadequate sexual health education, coupled with poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities.

The situation is even direr in rural areas, where access to menstrual products is scarce, and cultural myths run rampant. Intra-group disparities deepen the crisis: wealthier individuals, urban dwellers, and educated populations fare better, while marginalized communities continue to suffer disproportionately. These inequalities are not merely a reflection of socio-economic divides but a result of systemic neglect and a collective failure to prioritize menstrual health.

The Global Debate on Menstrual Leave

In recent years, the topic of paid menstrual leave has gained significant attention worldwide. This policy aims to address the needs of menstruating individuals in the workplace by recognizing that menstruation often comes with debilitating pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that can hinder productivity.

Some countries and progressive companies have already implemented menstrual leave policies, acknowledging the need to prioritize women’s health and well-being. For example, countries like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia offer menstrual leave to women. In India, a few companies have introduced similar measures, sparking national debates on whether menstrual leave should be a universal workplace right.

While critics argue that such policies might reinforce gender stereotypes or create biases against hiring women, proponents believe it is a step toward normalizing menstruation and fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. The conversation around menstrual leave is a critical component of the broader fight against menstrual stigma and period poverty.

Breaking the Cycle

To combat period poverty, society must take a multipronged approach. Governments should begin by making menstrual products tax-free and widely accessible. Infrastructure improvements, such as clean toilets and adequate water facilities in schools and workplaces, are equally critical.

Education is perhaps the most powerful tool in breaking the cycle of stigma. Schools and community organizations must actively promote menstrual health awareness, dispelling myths and normalizing conversations about menstruation. Advocacy groups and NGOs can play a pivotal role in reaching underserved populations, while targeted legislation can protect the rights of menstruating individuals.

The growing discourse on menstrual leave should also become part of this broader strategy. Recognizing menstruation as a legitimate health issue in the workplace sends a powerful message about inclusivity and equality. By embracing policies like menstrual leave, societies can take an important step toward eradicating stigma and addressing the unique challenges faced by menstruating individuals.

A Call to Action

On any given day, around 300 million people globally are menstruating. Yet, this natural process remains cloaked in shame and secrecy, a testament to society’s deep-seated gender biases and neglect of fundamental health rights.

Ending period poverty requires more than policy changes it demands a cultural shift. Normalizing menstruation, eliminating harmful stereotypes, and investing in education are essential steps toward a world where menstrual health is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves.

The fight against period poverty is a fight for equity, opportunity, and human rights. By addressing stigma, enacting supportive policies such as menstrual leave, and fostering global awareness, we can work toward a future where menstruation is no longer a source of shame but a natural and respected part of life.