Access to menstrual hygiene in disadvantaged communities

One in ten teenage girls in Africa does not attend school when she is menstruating. When I hear statistics like this, it makes me think that disadvantaged communities are still deeply entrenched in period poverty. Access to adequate menstrual hygiene products is, however, a fundamental right for all women and girls worldwide. Unfortunately, in many communities, this access is far from guaranteed. This situation not only impacts women's health and well-being but also their education and autonomy.

The Burden of Stigma and Taboos

Many of these communities surround menstruation with stigmas and taboos deeply rooted in their cultures. Women and girls are often marginalized and excluded during their periods, as it is well-known that periods are shameful and disgusting. Consequently, this limits their participation in daily life and education. These social stigmas only reinforce a culture of silence and ignorance that perpetuates the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.

Lack of Adequate Sanitation Infrastructure

It is rare for these communities to have access to clean and private toilets. This is another obstacle preventing them from accessing menstrual hygiene. Clean and private toilets are often rare, or even non-existent. Women and girls find themselves in precarious situations, using unsanitary facilities or depriving themselves of proper care during their periods. This has detrimental consequences for their health, dignity, and self-confidence.

Inaccessibility of Menstrual Hygiene Products

It is estimated that a woman spends an average of between 1000 and 3000 euros over her lifetime on the purchase of sanitary protection. This is a significant sum for women with limited resources who therefore consider these products as luxury items, beyond their financial reach. In the absence of adequate menstrual hygiene products, they are forced to use unsanitary substitutes such as dirty rags, leaves, or even paper. Consequently, these methods expose their bodies to infections and diseases.

It is important to emphasize that financial inaccessibility is not limited to the cost of menstrual hygiene products, but also to the limited availability of these products in disadvantaged areas. Indeed, local pharmacies and stores often only offer a restricted selection of menstrual products, or none at all. As a result, women often have to travel long distances to find basic products, which leads to a loss of time and energy.

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Action is Needed!

Local, national, and international initiatives are mobilizing to address this situation by promoting affordable and quality products. For example, non-profit organizations raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene, provide free or subsidized products, and implement educational programs. These actions aim to improve access and education regarding menstrual health in disadvantaged communities.

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