Period poverty is more than a lack of menstrual products. It refers to the barriers that prevent people from managing their periods safely, hygienically and with dignity. These barriers may include the inability to afford menstrual products, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, inadequate menstrual health education and the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Period poverty affects millions of people around the world and can have serious consequences for education, employment, health and wellbeing. No one should have to miss school, work or everyday activities simply because they are menstruating.
Addressing period poverty requires action from individuals, families, communities, schools, healthcare providers, organisations and governments.
What is Period Poverty?
Period poverty is the inability to access the products, facilities, information and support needed to manage menstruation safely and comfortably.
It is not limited to low-income households. Period poverty can affect anyone who faces financial, social or environmental barriers to menstrual health.
Period poverty includes:
• inability to afford menstrual products;
• limited access to clean water and soap;
• lack of safe, private toilets;
• inadequate facilities for changing menstrual products;
• limited access to accurate menstrual health education; and
• stigma and discrimination related to menstruation.What Causes Period Poverty?
There is no single cause.
Several factors contribute to period poverty, including:
• poverty and financial hardship;
• the cost or limited availability of menstrual products;
• inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities;
• lack of menstrual health education;
• cultural beliefs and stigma surrounding menstruation;
• humanitarian emergencies and displacement; and
• limited access to healthcare services.These challenges often overlap, making it difficult for people to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
Who is Most Affected?
Period poverty can affect anyone who menstruates, but some groups are at greater risk, including:
• school-going children and adolescents;
• people living in low-income households;
• people living in rural or underserved communities;
• people experiencing homelessness;
• refugees and displaced populations;
• people living with disabilities; and
• people affected by humanitarian emergencies or natural disasters.How Does Period Poverty Affect Education?
Many learners face difficulties attending school during menstruation because they lack menstrual products or suitable sanitation facilities.
Period poverty may lead to:
• missing lessons;
• reduced participation in class;
• difficulty concentrating;
• embarrassment or anxiety;
• reduced confidence; and
• lower educational outcomes over time.Schools that provide menstrual health education, clean toilets, water, soap and appropriate disposal facilities can help learners manage their periods more confidently.
Period Poverty in Uganda
In Uganda, many girls and women continue to face challenges managing their periods with dignity. Although important progress has been made through government initiatives, schools, community organisations and development partners, barriers still exist in many communities.
Some of these challenges include:
• difficulty affording menstrual products;
• limited access to clean water, soap and private toilets, particularly in some rural and underserved communities;
• stigma and cultural taboos that discourage open discussion about menstruation;
• inadequate menstrual health education before a girl’s first period; and
• limited access to menstrual products in some schools and workplaces.These challenges can affect school attendance, confidence, participation in daily activities and overall wellbeing.
Across Uganda, communities, schools, healthcare workers, civil society organisations and government institutions continue to work towards improving menstrual health through education, increased access to menstrual products, stronger WASH facilities and efforts to reduce stigma. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that menstruation is managed safely, confidently and with dignity.
How Does Period Poverty Affect Health?
When people cannot access safe menstrual products, they may resort to unsafe alternatives or use products for longer than recommended.
This may result in:
• skin irritation;
• discomfort;
• unpleasant odours;
• reduced dignity;
• anxiety and stress; and
• delayed healthcare seeking if menstrual problems develop.Using clean, safe menstrual products and practising good menstrual hygiene are important for maintaining health and wellbeing.
How Does Period Poverty Affect Daily Life?
Period poverty can affect many aspects of daily life.
Some people may:
• miss work or income-generating activities;
• avoid sports or recreation;
• withdraw from social activities;
• experience embarrassment or shame;
• feel anxious about leaks or odours; or
• lose confidence in public settings.Menstruation should never prevent someone from participating fully in school, work or community life.
Managing Your Period Safely During Financial Challenges
If disposable menstrual products are difficult to afford, there are safe alternatives.
These may include:
• reusable menstrual pads;
• menstrual cups, where users have access to clean water, appropriate information and feel comfortable using them;
• period underwear; or
• clean, soft, absorbent cloth that is washed thoroughly with soap and clean water, dried completely—preferably in direct sunlight—and stored in a clean, dry place before reuse.Avoid using materials that are dirty, damp or likely to cause irritation.
Whatever menstrual product you choose, it should be changed or cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions or recommended hygiene practices.
The Importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Managing menstruation safely requires more than menstrual products.
People also need access to:
• clean water;
• soap;
• private toilets or changing spaces;
• facilities for safely disposing of used products; and
• places to wash and dry reusable products hygienically.Improving WASH facilities supports health, dignity, privacy and full participation in school, work and community life.
Breaking the Stigma
In many communities, menstruation is surrounded by myths, shame or silence.
Stigma may discourage people from:
• asking questions;
• seeking healthcare;
• attending school during their period;
• discussing menstrual concerns with family members; or
• accessing menstrual products.Open, respectful conversations about menstruation help reduce stigma and ensure that everyone has access to accurate information and support.
Menstruation is a normal biological process and should never be a source of shame.
The Role of Men and Boys
Menstrual health is not only a women’s or girls’ issue. Parents, teachers, brothers, friends, employers and community leaders all have an important role in creating supportive environments.
Men and boys can help by:
• learning about menstruation;
• challenging harmful myths and stigma;
• supporting family members, classmates and colleagues;
• promoting respectful conversations about menstrual health; and
• advocating for improved access to menstrual products, menstrual health education and WASH facilities.Creating supportive communities benefits everyone and helps ensure that no one is excluded because of menstruation.
How Can Communities Help?
Everyone has a role in addressing period poverty.
Communities can help by:
• supporting menstrual health education;
• ensuring schools have appropriate WASH facilities;
• improving access to affordable menstrual products;
• challenging harmful myths and stigma;
• involving men and boys in menstrual health education;
• supporting local initiatives that promote menstrual health and dignity; and
• advocating for policies that improve menstrual health and gender equality.Small actions can make a meaningful difference in ensuring that no one is left behind.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Period poverty itself is not a medical condition, but you should seek medical advice if you:
• have persistent itching, irritation or unusual discharge;
• experience heavy menstrual bleeding;
• have severe menstrual pain;
• notice a strong or unusual odour that does not improve with good hygiene;
• develop sores or skin irritation around the genital area; or
• have concerns about your menstrual health.Myths and Facts
Myth: Period poverty only means not having menstrual pads.
Fact: Period poverty also includes a lack of clean water, sanitation facilities, menstrual health education and supportive environments.
Myth: Missing school because of your period is normal.
Fact: Menstruation should not prevent anyone from attending school. With the right support, products and facilities, most people can continue their education during their period.
Myth: Menstruation is something to be ashamed of.
Fact: Menstruation is a normal biological process experienced by millions of people around the world.
Myth: Reusable menstrual products are unsafe.
Fact: When cleaned, dried and stored correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions or recommended hygiene practices, reusable menstrual products are safe and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between period poverty and poverty?
Poverty refers to a lack of financial resources more broadly. Period poverty specifically refers to barriers that prevent people from managing menstruation safely and with dignity, including lack of menstrual products, education, water and sanitation facilities.
- Can reusable menstrual products help reduce period poverty?
Yes. Reusable menstrual pads, menstrual cups and period underwear can provide longer-term menstrual management options when used and cared for correctly.
- Why is menstrual health education important?
Accurate information helps people understand their bodies, practise good menstrual hygiene, challenge harmful myths and know when to seek medical care.
- How can I help reduce period poverty?
You can support menstrual health initiatives, challenge stigma, share accurate information, advocate for better access to menstrual products and support improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities within your community.
Key Messages
• Period poverty is about more than a lack of menstrual products—it also includes barriers to education, water, sanitation, menstrual health information and dignity.
• Period poverty can affect health, education, work, confidence and overall wellbeing.
• Safe menstrual management requires access to appropriate products, clean water, sanitation facilities and accurate information.
• Reducing stigma and involving entire communities, including men and boys, helps create supportive environments for everyone who menstruates.
• Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that menstruation is managed safely, confidently and with dignity.Related Articles
• Menstrual Hygiene 101
• Choosing the Right Menstrual Product
• Managing Your Period at School, Work and Daily Life
• Nutrition and Menstrual Health
• Menstrual Myths vs FactsKnowledge Hub Series: Period Talk Uganda – Evidence-Based Menstrual Health Resources