How Period Poverty Affects Education for Girls
- Ishanvi Sabniveesu
- Nov 7
- 2 min read
Access to menstrual products and proper menstrual health education is essential for the well-being and empowerment of girls. Yet, around the world, millions of girls face period poverty, the lack of access to sanitary products, hygiene facilities, and education about menstruation. This silent barrier has far-reaching consequences, particularly on education, limiting opportunities for girls and perpetuating cycles of inequality.
Why Period Poverty Impacts Education
When girls do not have access to sanitary products, they often miss school during their periods, which can add up to several days each month. Over the course of a year, this absenteeism leads to gaps in learning, lower grades, and diminished confidence. In some communities, the shame or stigma associated with menstruation can further discourage girls from participating fully in class or even enrolling in school at all. Girls experiencing period poverty also face physical discomfort and health risks. Reusing clothes or unsanitary materials increases the risk of infections, while lack of privacy and proper sanitation in schools can create unsafe conditions. The combination of health issues and social stigma reinforces absenteeism and can even force some girls to drop out entirely.
Societal and Cultural Barriers
Period poverty is not only about access to products, it is also about awareness and social norms. In many regions, menstruation is still considered taboo, and girls are shamed for having periods. This cultural silence means that girls do not receive proper education about menstruation, leaving them unprepared to manage it confidently. Families with limited resources often prioritize boys’ education over girls’, especially when periods are seen as a distraction or inconvenience.
Breaking the Cycle Through Education and Access
The good news is that period poverty is preventable with coordinated efforts from schools, communities, and governments.
Steps to address the issue include:
Providing free or subsidized menstrual products in schools.
Creating safe, private, and hygienic sanitation facilities for girls.
Integrating menstrual health education into school curricula to normalize menstruation and reduce stigma.
Engaging families and communities to challenge cultural taboos and support girls’ education.
The Role of Advocacy and Awareness
Awareness campaigns and nonprofit initiatives play a critical role in addressing period poverty. By highlighting the impact of menstruation on girls’ education and health, organizations can drive policy changes, secure funding for menstrual health programs, and empower girls to advocate for themselves. Every girl deserves the chance to attend school, learn confidently, and pursue her ambitions, without her period standing in the way.
Prioritizing Girls’ Education
Period poverty is not just a health issue; it is a barrier to equality and opportunity. Addressing it requires awareness, action, and resources. By ensuring girls have access to the products, education, and support they need, we can break the cycle of absenteeism, reduce stigma, and give every girl the tools to succeed. Menstruation should never be an obstacle to learning, it should be a natural part of growing up, with no limits on a girl’s potential.
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