Period Poverty has been a much-discussed topic in the news, with Scotland introducing free period products for those in need last year.
As well, with finances being tighter during the cost-of living crisis, concerns have been raised as menstrual hygiene products cost, on average, up to four thousand pounds across a lifetime.
Period Poverty is defined by the Royal College of Nursing as “the lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints.”
Young people have been impacted badly by these issues, with many being concerned about affording hygiene necessities.
Organisations like Bloody Good Period campaign for affordable period products that will put an end to Period Poverty, but there are limited resources being put out that people know how to access.
71% of respondents from a survey didn’t know of any resources to help affording period products.
Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash
Ethan, nineteen, said, “Women should be able to receive free hygiene products,” adding, “at my college they provide the girls and unisex toilets with free tampons and pads.”
Scotland have recently passed The Period Products Act, which “ensures that everyone in Scotland who menstruates can have reasonably convenient access to period products, free of charge, as and when they are required.”
Although no such act has been passed in England yet, young people state that there needs to be a change in making these necessities more accessible.
“I think they should give women at least an amount [of money] for just sanitary products because it’s a mandatory need, or make it available in all public toilets, free for women,” said 21-year-old Kathy.
In September 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) allocated money upwards of £40 for institutions with pupils aged 16-19 for free period products to students to ease accessibility concerns, but there is a long way to go before these become accessible for all.
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