This discussion dives into the global crisis of period poverty, affecting millions without access to sanitary products. It highlights innovative solutions like reusable pads and menstrual cups, showcasing initiatives from Africa to Australia. The importance of menstrual health education is emphasized, illustrating how these products empower women and promote dignity. Moreover, the conversation tackles societal stigma and advocates for equity in menstrual health, challenging misconceptions and underscoring the need for support from all genders.
Period poverty affects millions globally, resulting in economic burdens that restrict women's opportunities and hinder their social progress.
Reusable menstrual products like pads and cups provide sustainable, affordable solutions to combat period poverty while also challenging societal stigma through education.
Deep dives
Understanding Period Poverty
Period poverty is a significant global issue affecting millions of women and girls who lack access to adequate menstrual products. It is especially prevalent in the global south, including urban and rural areas, where affordability and availability greatly differ. In some regions, like Ghana, women on minimum wage may spend a substantial portion of their income on sanitary products, which highlights the economic burden associated with menstruation. This lack of access can lead to detrimental consequences such as missed school days for girls and reduced work opportunities for women, ultimately hindering their social and economic progress.
Innovative Reusable Products
Reusable menstrual products, such as pads and cups, present a sustainable solution to combat period poverty by offering more affordable options in the long run. Organizations like Glow Up Pads are leading initiatives that enable girls to remain in school by providing reusable pads, while The COVA Project distributes menstrual cups to alleviate the challenges of access and hygiene. These products can significantly enhance the quality of life for menstruators, as many users report benefits like comfort and reduced risk of leaks. Despite some initial stigma and educational barriers surrounding their use, the positive feedback and increasing familiarity in communities showcase their potential to change perceptions.
Addressing Stigma and Education
Stigma surrounding menstruation and reusable products remains a barrier to their widespread acceptance and use. Misconceptions, particularly about menstrual cups, contribute to feelings of embarrassment and fear among users, especially young girls concerned about virginity perceptions. Tackling these stigmas through education is crucial, as increased awareness about menstruation and available products can empower both girls and boys. Incorporating menstrual health education into school curricula can provide the necessary knowledge to help future generations normalize menstruation, reduce stigma, and encourage sustainable practices.
The average person who menstruates has their period for 2,535 days (nearly seven years) of their life, according to the UN. That’s A LOT of tampons and pads. But the World Bank says 500 million women don’t have access to menstrual products. Period poverty - when women and girls can’t afford or access sanitary products - is a global problem, affecting lots of countries in Africa as well as the US, UK, India and New Zealand.
Gloria Achieng, a BBC journalist in Kenya, talks us through the causes of period poverty and some of the reusable products available. Patricia Kajumba, founder of Glow Up Pads in Uganda, explains how her reusable pads are making a difference and Geena Dunne from the Cova Project in Australia tells us about their menstrual cups. BBC Health reporter Michelle Roberts breaks down some of the myths surrounding period products.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Mora Morrison and Hayley Clarke
Video Journalists: Gabriel Purcell-Davis and Adam Chowdhury
Editor: Verity Wilde
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode