The Importance Of Menstrual Equity

Menstrual equity is the equal access to menstrual products and menstrual education. By addressing period poverty—where individuals lack the financial means to obtain essential menstrual products—menstrual equity aims to eliminate the challenges and negative consequences associated with inadequate menstrual management.

Period poverty, therefore, invites a range of issues in health such as educational barriers, economic inequalities, and others. For example, the World Bank has estimated that 500 million girls and women in the world lack proper facilities for hygiene in the management of their menstruation. When proper menstrual products are not available, then people are forced to resort to things that are not hygiene-friendly, and this exposes the people to infections and other health complications. These women are trapped in a cycle known as period poverty, highlighting the immense importance of menstrual equity as it affects millions worldwide.

Other than insufficient sanitary facilities for menstruation, there is high stigma. For instance, in the U.S., it has been reported that one out of five girls missed school because they lacked menstruation products, and many of them had to improvise to catch up on what they missed. This carries with it emotional and stigmatic repercussions on life, well-being, and social inclinations. This underlines the need for menstrual equity and ensuring that most mental health difficulties do not develop.

Menstrual Equity and period poverty are public health issues that are easily overlooked. We all have to stand together and fight against this inequality. Let's lean into this work with the power of advocacy, policy change, and community support so we can prioritize menstrual equity. One step at a time, let's change the narrative and make sure that menstrual equity becomes a reality.