Let’s end Period Poverty!

‘Period poverty’ means being unable to access sanitary products and having a poor knowledge of menstruation often due to financial issues. Not having access to a safe and hygienic way to deal with menstruation can have profound consequences; particularly on a girl’s education. Research shows that 56% of 18 to 24 year olds have had to go without hygiene or grooming essentials, or cut down on them due to lack of funds. This is particularly concerning in the light of COVID-19 and the increased financial pressures many families are facing.

In response to the UK period poverty crisis, the UK government launched the Period Product Scheme in 2019, but many schools have yet to sign up for the scheme. There’s lots of ways you can get involved in helping to end period poverty and raising awareness of how girls can access products and support.

Campaigns you can get involved with:

• Red Box Project is a community-based, not-for-profit initiative, which aims to support young people throughout their periods by providing red boxes filled with free period products to local schools.
• Pink Protest is a community of activists committed to engaging in action and supporting each other. To date, they have been a part of changing two UK laws through engaging the power of young people & utilising online activism.
• Free Periods is a not for profit organisation fighting to ensure that no young person has to miss out on their education because they menstruate. They are working to destigmatise menstruation so women are no longer ashamed and embarrassed of periods – nor their bodies.

Follow the important work these campaign groups are doing on social media and promote the period revolution!